Androgen Secreting Ovarian Tumors

Abstract

Submit Manuscript | http://medcraveonline.com steroid cell tumors of the ovary are classified as sex cord-stromal cell tumor (granulosa and the coma-fibroma), sterol-stromal cell tumors, and mixed or unclassified and steroid cell tumors. Ovarian tumors that present with hyperandrogenism include Leydig cell tumors, Sertoli cell tumors, steroid cell tumors-not otherwise specified and ovarian thecomas. 5Other rare ovarian causes of hyperandrogenism include gynandroblastoma, gonadoblastoma, ovarian carcinoid, surface epithelial tumors (Brenner tumor) and metastatic tumors.5 These tumors are rare representing only 10% of all ovarian tumors. Tumoral cause of hyperandrogenism is suspected when the serum testosterone levels are significantly elevated (>200ng/ml), rapidly progressive symptoms of virilization or pelvic mass in examination/imaging. As mentioned earlier, symptoms and signs associated with hillar Leydig cell tumor may present as slowly progressive hirsutism.6,7 When imaging does not identify ovarian or adrenal mass and the results of serum DHEAS are normal, then it is considered an indirect evidence of ovarian tumor if serum testosterone levels exceed 200ng/dl. These ovarian tumors secrete significant levels of testosterone or its precursor, and rostenedione.

Recurrent ovarian steroid cell tumour not otherwise specified: A case report

“…Hyperandrogenism secondary to ovarian tumors can mostly result in a significantly elevated testosterone level with sometimes normal dehydroepiandrosterone. 3 Hyperandrogenism occurs in more than 50% of steroid cell tumors not otherwise specified (NOS). 2,4 Clinical presentations may vary according to the age of the patient.…”

“…In contrast, adults can have hoarseness of voice, acne, hirsutism, male pattern alopecia, clitoromegaly, loss of female fat distribution, irregular menses, and amenorrhea. 3,5 Virilizing signs in steroid cell tumors, NOS, are usually slowly progressive, unlike other androgen‐secreting tumors wherein their signs are more rapidly developed. 3,6 Hyperestrogenism was also reported in 6% to 23% of cases, giving rise to symptoms such as menorrhagia, postmenopausal bleeding, and even endometrial carcinoma.…”

“… 3,5 Virilizing signs in steroid cell tumors, NOS, are usually slowly progressive, unlike other androgen‐secreting tumors wherein their signs are more rapidly developed. 3,6 Hyperestrogenism was also reported in 6% to 23% of cases, giving rise to symptoms such as menorrhagia, postmenopausal bleeding, and even endometrial carcinoma. 2 Moreover, about 6%‐10% of these patients were determined to present Cushing's syndrome due to excess cortisol production 2,7 …”

Hyperandrogenism in a Postmenopausal Woman Secondary to Testosterone Secreting Ovarian Stromal Tumor with Acoustic Schwannoma

“…In postmenopausal woman, the patients with hirsutism and signs of virilization are often associated with ovarian or adrenal tumors [3]. Androgen secreting neoplasms are rare ovarian tumors that account of 5% of all ovarian tumors [4]. Common androgen secreting ovarian tumors include Leydig cell neoplasm, stromal luteoma, Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor, and ovarian hyperthecosis [5].…”