Arrhenoblastoma of ovary

• Alternative Names

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

• Causes, incidence, and risk factors

  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.

• Symptoms

  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
• Signs and tests
  • Blood tests to check levels of hormones that may be released by the tumor
  • CT scan of the pelvis and abdomen to see if the tumor has spread
  • Ultrasound of the ovaries
• Treatment

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

• Support Groups

  You can ease the stress of illness 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 whether it has spread, and whether surgery can completely remove the tumor. The overall 5-year survival rate is 70 - 90%.

  Arrhenoblastoma has a low chance of spreading. If the tumor is found early, the cure rate can be very good.

• Complications
  • Complications of surgery
  • Masculine symptoms (virilization)
  • 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 masculine symptoms, or you feel a lump near your ovaries.

• Prevention

  There is no good screening test. Getting a gynecological exam each year and recognizing masculine symptoms can help detect the disease.

• References

  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. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2008:chap 16.

  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.

Review Date: 1/31/2010

Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.