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Alternative Names:
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Stromal tumor; Gonadal stromal tumor; Sex cord tumor; Androblastoma
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Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
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This is a rare tumor. It accounts for less than 0.5% of all ovarian tumors.
These tumors are found in women of all age groups, but are most common in young women.
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Symptoms:
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This tumor releases male hormones, which causes the following symptoms in women:
- Deepening of the voice
- Increased acne
- Increased hair on the face and body
- Increased size of the clitoris
- Male pattern baldness
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Signs and tests:
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- Blood tests to check levels of hormones that may be released by the tumor
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CT scan of the pelvis and abdomen to see if the tumor has spread
- Ultrasound of the ovaries
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Treatment:
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Surgery to remove the tumor is the main treatment. If the cancer has spread, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be considered.
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Support Groups:
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You can ease the stress of illness by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group.
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Expectations (prognosis):
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The outcome of this disease depends on whether it has spread, and whether surgery can completely remove the tumor.
Arrhenoblastoma has a low chance of spreading. If the tumor is found early, the cure rate can be very good.
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Complications:
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- Complications of surgery
- Masculine symptoms (virilization)
- Spread of the tumor if it is not completely removed
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Calling your health care provider:
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Call your health care provider if you are a woman and have masculine symptoms, or you feel a lump in your lower belly area.
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Prevention:
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There is no good screening test. Regular gynecologic exams and recognizing masculine symptoms may help detect the disease.
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References:
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Bulun SE, Adashi EY. The physiology and pathology of the female reproductive axis. In: Kronenberg HM, Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 17.
Coleman RL, Gershenson DM. Neoplastic diseases of the ovary: screening, benign and malignant epithelial and germ cell neoplasms, sex-cord stromal tumors. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 33.
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