Leydig Cell Tumour and Mature Ovarian Teratoma: Rare Androgen-Secreting Ovarian Tumours in Postmenopausal Women

Palha, A; Cortez, L; Tavares, AP; Agapito, A

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.17/2636

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Abstract(s)

Androgen-secreting ovarian tumours are extremely rare accounting for <5% of all ovarian neoplasms. They are more frequent in postmenopausal women and should be suspected in the case of a rapid onset of androgenic symptoms. We report 4 cases of postmenopausal women who presented with signs of virilisation. All patients revealed increased serum levels of testosterone, normal dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate and negative pelvic ultrasound for adnexal masses. An androgen-secreting ovarian tumour was suspected and all of them were submitted to bilateral oophorectomy. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of Leydig cell tumours in 3 patients and mature teratoma in 1. A successful response to surgery, which includes a decline in serum androgen levels and signs of hyperandrogenism, was observed in our patients. This case series demonstrates that androgen-secreting ovarian neoplasms may not be detectable by imaging studies, but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all postmenopausal women with signs of hyperandrogenism.

Keywords

Aged Androgens/blood Female Humans Leydig Cell Tumor/complications Ovarian Neoplasms/complications Ovariectomy Postmenopause Teratoma/complications Virilism/etiology Androgens/secretion Leydig Cell Tumor/secretion Leydig Cell Tumor/surgery Ovarian Neoplasms/secretion Ovarian Neoplasms/surgery Teratoma/surgery Teratoma/secretion CHLC END CHLC CIR