Causes

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

Exams 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.

Outlook (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.

Possible Complications

• Complications of surgery
• Masculine symptoms (virilization)
• Spread of the tumor if it is not completely removed

When to Contact a Medical Professional

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.

Alternative Names

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

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.

Update Date: 1/31/2012

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.