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Leydig cell tumor - Overview

Alternative Names

Tumor - Leydig cell; Testicular tumor

Definition of Leydig cell tumor:

A Leydig cell tumor is a tumor of the testicle. It develops from Leydig cells -- the cells in the testicles that release the male hormone, testosterone.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of this tumor is unknown. There are no known risk factors for getting this tumor. Unlike germ cell tumors of the testicles, this tumor does not seem to be linked to undescended testes (cryptorchidism).

Leydig cell tumors make up a very small number of all testicular tumors. They are most often found in men between the ages of 20 and 60. This tumor is not common in children before puberty, but it may cause early puberty.

Male reproductive anatomy

Reviewed last on: 6/2/2010
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Einhorn LH. Testicular cancer. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 210.

National Cancer Institute. Testicular cancer treatment PDQ. Updated July 1, 2009. Accessed May 18, 2010.

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