Ovarian Leydig cell tumor

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Leydig cell tumors are sex cord-stromal tumors with sexual steroid production (predominantly testosterone). They account for less than 0.6% of ovarian neoplasms and mostly appear at the age of 28. HISTOPATHOLOGY: It is a solid yellowish nodular tumor, less than 5 cm in diameter. It consists of polygonal Leydig cells, eosinophillic cytoplasm with lipid vacuole and lipochrome pigments. Nuclei are oval, pleomorphic with rare nucleoli. Hyperthecosis is around the tumor. CASE DESCRIPTION: Signs and symptoms depend on age of women and testosterone levels. Women complain about hirsutism, hoarseness, muscular hypertrophy, increased libido, clitoromegaly, temporal hair loss and menstrual disturbances. DIAGNOSIS: Basal hormone analysis reveals extremely high testosterone levels, mildly high androstenedione and 17 OH progesterone, and suppressed follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. Estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and other hormones are normal. Dexamethasone screening test decreases dehydroepioandrosterone sulfate and androstenedion, whereas testosterone levels are only partly suppressed. Human choriogonadotropin test is clearly stimulatory for testosterone. Suppressed gonadotropin levels do not respond to luteinizing hormone releasing hormone stimulation. Ultrasonography, nuclear magnetic imaging, Doppler sonography, ovarian vein catheterization can be used for visualization. The removal of tumor is followed by normalization of testosterone levels, increase of gonadotropins and gradual disappearance of all symptoms and signs. THERAPY: The only effective therapy is operative.