What is a Leydig tumor?
A Leydig cell tumor is a tumor of the testicle. It develops from Leydig cells. These are the cells in the testicles that release the male hormone, testosterone.
Is a Leydig cell tumor cancer?
Leydig cell tumors are usually benign, but appproximately 10% are malignant. As with germ cell tumors, the route of spread is hematogenous and lymphatic to the retroperitoneal lymph nodes. Unlike germ cell tumors, however, Leydig cell tumors show relative lack of sensitivity to radiotherapy and chemotherapy agents.
Can testicular tumors be benign?
A non-cancerous (benign) tumour of the testicle is a growth that does not spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Non-cancerous tumours are not usually life-threatening. They are typically removed with surgery and do not usually come back (recur).
How do Leydig cell tumors cause gynecomastia?
In the presented case, gynecomastia was caused by persistently elevated estradiol, produced by Leydig tumor cells. High levels of serum-estradiol suppressed secretion of luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormone due to negative feedback and caused hypogonadotropic hypogonadism which resolved after surgery (Table 1).
How are Leydig cell tumors diagnosed?
If a Leydig cell tumor is present, it will be identified on scrotal ultrasound as an intratesticular mass and sonographically indistinguishable from a more commonly malignant germ cell tumor. An intratesticular mass should be considered cancer unless proven otherwise.
Can testicular tumors be removed?
An incision (cut) is made just above the pubic area, and the testicle is gently removed from the scrotum through the opening. The surgeon then removes the entire tumor along with the testicle and spermatic cord.
Can you biopsy a testicular mass?
Unlike many cancers where a small piece of the cancer can be removed (a biopsy), in most cases the only way to examine a testicular lump is by removing the affected testicle completely. This is because the combination of the ultrasound and blood marker tests is usually sufficient to make a firm diagnosis.