A Leydig cell tumor is a tumor of the testicle. It develops from Leydig cells -- the cells in the testicles that release the male hormone, testosterone.
The cause of this tumor is unknown. There are no known risk factors for getting this tumor. Unlike germ cell tumors of the testicles, this tumor does not seem to be linked to undescended testes (cryptorchidism).
Leydig cell tumors make up a very small number of all testicular tumors. They are most often found in men between the ages of 20 and 60. This tumor is not common in children before puberty, but it may cause early puberty.
There may be no symptoms.
When symptoms do occur, they can include:
Symptoms in other parts of the body, such as the lungs, abdomen, pelvis, back, or brain may also occur if the cancer has spread.
A physical examination typically reveals a firm lump in one of the testicles. When the health care provider holds a flashlight up to the scrotum, the light does not pass through the lump.
Other tests include:
An examination of the tissue is usually done after the entire testicle is surgically removed (orchiectomy).
Treatment of a Leydig cell tumor depends on its stage.
Surgery is done to remove the testicle (orchiectomy), and it may also remove nearby lymph nodes (lymphadenectomy).
Chemotherapy uses drugs such as cisplatin, bleomycin, and etoposide to kill cancer cells. Because Leydig cell tumors are rare, these treatments have not been studied as well as they have for other, more common testicular cancers.
Joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems can often help ease the stress of illness. Your local branch of the American Cancer Society may have a support group. See: www.cancer.org for more information.
Lance Armstrong, a famous cyclist, is a survivor of testicular cancer. His web site -- www.laf.org -- offers support and information for patients with testicular cancer.
The National Cancer Institute website also provides further information: www.cancer.gov.
Testicular cancer is one of the most treatable and curable cancers.
Testicular cancer may spread to other parts of the body. The most common sites include the:
Complications of surgery can include:
If you are of childbearing age, ask your doctor about methods to save your sperm for use at a later date.
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of testicular cancer.
The United States Preventive Services Task Force does not recommend routine screening for testicular cancer because no screening technique is known to be effective.
However, performing a testicular self-examination (TSE) each month may help detect testicular cancer at an early stage, before it spreads. Finding testicular cancer early is important to successful treatment and survival.
Tumor - Leydig cell; Testicular tumor
Einhorn LH. Testicular cancer. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 210.
National Cancer Institute. Testicular cancer treatment PDQ. Updated July 1, 2009. Accessed May 18, 2010.
Reviewed by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; 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.
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