Leydig cell tumor

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Male reproductive anatomy

A leydig cell tumor is a tumor of the testicle consisting of masses of abnormal interstitial cells that may secrete testosterone. This is an uncommon tumor in prepubertal children, but may be the cause of early puberty. It is found more commonly in adult males.

Tumor - Leydig cell; Testicular tumor

The cause of this tumor is unknown. There are no known associated risk factors for developing this tumor. In contrast with germ cell tumors of the testicles, there does not seem to be an association with cryptorchidism (undescended testes).

Leydig cell tumors make up 1-3% of all testicular tumors. They are most often found in men between the ages of 20 and 60.

Review Date: 07/29/2005
Reviewed By: William Matsui, M.D., Assistant Professor of Oncology, Division of Hematologic Malignancies, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.