Arrhenoblastoma of ovary

Definition:

Arrhenoblastoma of the ovary is an ovarian tumor that secretes testosterone.

Alternative Names:

Stromal tumor; Gonadal stromal tumor; Sex cord tumor; Androblastoma

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

This is a rare tumor that 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.

Symptoms:

This tumor secretes male hormones which causes secondary sex changes in women including:

deepening of the voice
increased facial and body hair
increased size of the clitoris
male pattern baldness

Signs and tests:

ultrasound of the ovaries
CT scan of pelvis and abdomen to look for tumor spread
blood tests to check levels of hormones which may be secreted by the tumor

Treatment:

Surgery is the main treatment. If the cancer has spread, chemotherapy or radiation therapy should be considered.

Support Groups:

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome of this disease depends on the extent of disease and the ability to completely remove the tumor with surgery. The overall 5-year survival rate is around 70-90%.

Fortunately, arrhenoblastoma has a low chance of spreading (metastasis). If the tumor is detected early, the cure rate may be very good.

Complications:

Masculinization as described above.
Surgical complications depending on the extent of surgery.
Spread of the tumor if it is not completely removed.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you are a woman experiencing signs of masculinization or if you feel a mass near your ovaries.

Prevention:

There is no good screening test. Annual gynecological exams and early recognition of signs of masculinization are important in the detection of the disease.

Review Date: 7/17/2002
Reviewed By: Scott Howard, M.D., M.S., Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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