MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor

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Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor

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Illustrations Alternative names	Definition

Illustrations

Male reproductive system

Alternative names Return to top

Arrhenoblastoma

Definition Return to top

The Sertoli cells, which are located in the male gonads, provide nourishment to the sperm cells. The Leydig cells secrete the male sex hormone testosterone. In men, some testicular cancers can arise in the Sertoli and Leydig cells.

Arrhenoblastomas are a type of ovarian tumor whose cells (Sertoli-Leydig cells) produce and secrete a male sex hormone, causing virilization (the appearance of male physical characteristics) in women.

Update Date: 10/29/2003

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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