Leydig cell tumor Health Article

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Table of Contents

Definition Alternative Names Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Reviewer Info: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and James R. Mason, MD, Oncologist, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program and Stem Cell Processing Lab, Scripps Clinic, Torrey Pines, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 06/10/2008

Definition

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.

Alternative Names

Tumor - Leydig cell; Testicular tumor

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.

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Male reproductive a...

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