MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Leydig cell tumor

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Leydig cell tumor

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names	Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Illustrations

Male reproductive anatomy

Alternative names Return to top

Tumor - Leydig cell; Testicular tumor

Definition Return to top

A leydig cell tumor is a tumor of the testicle consisting of masses of abnormal interstitial cells that may secrete testosterone. This is an uncommon tumor in prepubertal children, but may be the cause of early puberty. It is found more commonly in adult males.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

The cause of this tumor is unknown. There are no known associated risk factors for developing this tumor. In contrast to germ cell tumors of the testicles, there does not seem to be an association with cryptorchidism (undescended testes).

Leydig cell tumors make up 1-3% of all testicluar tumors. The most common presentation is in men between the ages of 20 and 60.

Update Date: 10/28/2003

Updated by: Ezra E. W. Cohen, M.D., Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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