MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Arrhenoblastoma of ovary

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Arrhenoblastoma of ovary

Contents of this page:
Alternative names Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests Treatment	Support Groups Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Prevention

Alternative names

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

Definition Return to top

Arrhenoblastoma of the ovary is an ovarian tumor that secretes testosterone.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

This is a rare tumor that 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 Return to top

This tumor secretes male hormones which causes secondary sex changes in women including:

deepening of the voice
increased facial and body hair
increased size of the clitoris
male pattern baldness

Signs and tests Return to top

ultrasound of the ovaries
CT scan of pelvis and abdomen to look for tumor spread
blood tests to check levels of hormones which may be secreted by the tumor

Treatment Return to top

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

Support Groups Return to top

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

The outcome of this disease depends on the extent of disease and the ability to completely remove the tumor with surgery. The overall 5-year survival rate is around 70-90%.

Fortunately, arrhenoblastoma has a low chance of spreading (metastasis). If the tumor is detected early, the cure rate may be very good.

Complications Return to top

Masculinization as described above.
Surgical complications depending on the extent of surgery.
Spread of the tumor if it is not completely removed.

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Call your health care provider if you are a woman experiencing signs of masculinization or if you feel a mass near your ovaries.

Prevention Return to top

There is no good screening test. Annual gynecological exams and early recognition of signs of masculinization are important in the detection of the disease.

Update Date: 4/23/2004

Updated by: Samuel Blackman, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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