A Sertoli cell tumour, also Sertoli cell tumor (US spelling), is a sex cord-gonadal stromal tumor of

Sertoli cell Sertoli cells are a type of sustentacular "nurse" cell found in human testes which contribute to the process of spermatogenesis (the production of sperm) as a structural component of the seminiferous tubules. They are activated by follicle-stimu ...

s. They can occur in the

testis A testicle or testis (plural testes) is the male reproductive gland or gonad in all bilaterians, including humans. It is homologous to the female ovary. The functions of the testes are to produce both sperm and androgens, primarily testostero ...

or ovary. They are very rare and generally peak between the ages of 35 and 50. They are typically well-differentiated, and may be misdiagnosed as

seminoma A seminoma is a germ cell tumor of the testicle or, more rarely, the mediastinum or other extra-gonadal locations. It is a malignant neoplasm and is one of the most treatable and curable cancers, with a survival rate above 95% if discovered in ...

s as they often appear very similar. A tumor that produces both Sertoli cells and

Leydig cell Leydig cells, also known as interstitial cells of the testes and interstitial cells of Leydig, are found adjacent to the seminiferous tubules in the testicle and produce testosterone in the presence of luteinizing hormone (LH). They are polyhedral ...

s is known as a Sertoli–Leydig cell tumor.

Presentation

In males, Sertoli cell tumours typically present as a testicular mass or firmness, and their presence may be accompanied by gynaecomastia (25%) if they produce oestrogens, or precocious pseudopuberty in young boys, especially if they produce androgens.

Diagnosis

On ultrasound, a Sertoli cell tumour appears as a hypoechoic intratesticular lesion which is usually solitary. However, the large cell subtype might present as multiple and bilateral masses with large areas of calcification. An MRI may also be conducted, but this typically is not definitive. Microscopy and immunohistochemistry are the only way to give a definitive diagnosis, especially when there is a suspected seminoma.

Treatment

In males, due to the difficulty in identifying the tumour using imaging techniques, an orchiectomy is often performed. The majority of Sertoli cell tumours are benign, so this is sufficient. There is no documented benefit of chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

In non-humans

Sertoli cell tumors are known to occur in other species, including domestic ducks, dogs, and horses.

Additional images

File:Leydig cell tumour2.jpg, Micrograph of a

Leydig cell tumour Leydig cell tumour, also Leydig cell tumor (US spelling), (testicular) interstitial cell tumour and (testicular) interstitial cell tumor (US spelling), is a member of the sex cord-stromal tumour group of ovarian and testicular cancers. It arises f ...

File:Leydig cell tumour3.jpg, Micrograph of a Leydig cell tumour

Notes

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Sertoli Cell Tumour Gynaecological cancer Male genital neoplasia Rare cancers Endocrine-related cutaneous conditions