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Leydig-Cell Tumor of the Testis
Definition
The Leydig-cell tumor is a hormone-producing stromal tumor of the testis with proliferation of Leydig cells (Loy and Linke, 2003).
Epidemiology
1–3% of all testicular tumors. Most common in boys (5–10 years old) and in adults aged 30–60 years.
Pathology of the Leydig cell tumor
Small yellow-brown tumors, sharply circumscribed in the testicular tissue. Signs for malignancy are necrosis, lymphovascular invasion and nuclear polymorphism and increased mitotic activity, which are present in 10% of the cases.
Signs and Symptoms
- Nontender palpable testicular tumor
- Hormonal disorders due to the production of testosterone: precocious puberty (in children). Gynecomastia, erectile dysfunction and decreased libido in male adults.
Diagnostic Workup
Laboratory tests
Hormone analysis :
Testosterone is usually elevated, estrogen may be increased. LH and FSH are usually suppressed.
In contrast to adrenal hormone production, the following tests are usually normal in patients with Leydig-cell tumor: 17-hydroxy and 17-ketosteroids in urine, cortisone in plasma. Adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test and Dexamethasone suppression test.
Tumor marker of germ cell tumors:
Serum alpha-fetoprotein, beta human chorionic gonadotropin, lactate dehydrogenase.
Ultrasound of the testes:
The typical finding in testicular ultrasound imaging is a well-circumscribed hypoechoic testicular mass.
Staging:
If malignancy is suspected: chest X-ray (or CT scan), abdominal CT scan.
Treatment
Surgical treatment of the testicular tumor
Radical (inguinal) orchiectomy is often the initial treatment for larger tumors. Testis-sparing surgery is possible for small tumors or if a Leydig-cell tumor is suspected: after enucleation the tumor is sent for frozen section. If malignancy is suspected (germ cell tumor or malignant leydig-cell tumor), radical orchiectomy should be done.
Retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy:
(Laparoscopic) retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy should be offered if pathology shows clear signs of malignancy or if enlarged retroperitoneal lymph nodes are present.
Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy shows only a moderate response rate in metastatic Leydig cell tumor.
testicular lymphoma | Index | Abbreviations |
Index: 1–9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
References
Loy und Linke 2003 LOY, V. ; LINKE, J.: [Endocrine tumors of the testis].In: Pathologe
24 (2003), Nr. 4, S. 308–13
Deutsche Version: Leydig-Zell Tumor des Hodens