Definition

An arrhenoblastoma is a rare type of ovarian tumor. This tumor primarily secretes the male sex hormone, testosterone, and rarely the female sex hormone, estrogen.

Arrhenoblastomas are generally benign, meaning they do not normally spread beyond the ovary.

Causes

The cause of arrhenoblastoma is unknown.

Risk Factors

Arrhenoblastomas are most common in young women between the ages of 20 and 30 years of age. However, they can occur at any age, including in toddlers, young girls, and postmenopausal women.

Arrhenoblastoma mare also be a rare complication of pregnancy.

Symptoms

In many cases, infrequent menstrual periods or cessation of menstrual periods is the only symptom.

In up to one in three patients, arrhenoblastoma is accompanied by masculinization, including any of the following:

• Acne
• Deepening voice
• Hirsutism (increased facial hair)
• Enlarged clitoris

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Your bodily fluids may be tested. This can be done blood tests of hormone levels.

Images may be taken of your bodily structures. This can be done with ultrasound.

Treatment

Treatment involves surgery to remove one or both ovaries. This procedure is usually successful in returning normal menstruation (in premenopausal women) and ceasing masculinization. If the tumor is late stage and particularly aggressive (which is rare), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or both, in addition to surgery, may be needed.

Prevention

There are no known ways to prevent ovarian cancer of any kind, as the cause is unknown.

Ovarian Cancer National Alliance http://www.ovariancancer.org

Ovarian Cancer Canada http://www.ovariancanada.org/

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