Sertoli cell tumour explained

A Sertoli cell tumour, also Sertoli cell tumor (US spelling), is a sex cord–gonadal stromal tumour of Sertoli cells. They can occur in the testis 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 seminomas as they often appear very similar.^[1]

A tumor that produces both Sertoli cells and Leydig cells 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.^[2]

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.^[2]

Microscopy and immunohistochemistry are the only way to give a definitive diagnosis, especially when there is a suspected seminoma.^[3]

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.^[4]

In non-humans

Sertoli cell tumors are known to occur in other species, including domestic ducks,^[5] dogs,^{[6] [7]} and horses.

See also

• Androgen-dependent syndromes
• Leydig cell tumour
• Sertoli–Leydig cell tumour
• Sertoli cell nodule

Notes and References

1. Young. Robert H.. 2005-01-01. Sex cord-stromal tumors of the ovary and testis: their similarities and differences with consideration of selected problems. Modern Pathology. en. 18. S2. S81–S98. 10.1038/modpathol.3800311. 15502809. 0893-3952. free.
2. Web site: Sertoli cell tumour of the testis Radiology Reference Article Radiopaedia.org. Morgan. Matt A.. radiopaedia.org. 2016-12-06.
3. Henley. John D.. Young. Robert H.. Ulbright. Thomas M.. 2002-05-01. Malignant Sertoli cell tumors of the testis: a study of 13 examples of a neoplasm frequently misinterpreted as seminoma. The American Journal of Surgical Pathology. 26. 5. 541–550. 0147-5185. 11979085. 10.1097/00000478-200205000-00001. 33939867.
4. Web site: Testis and epididymis - Sertoli cell tumor, NOS. www.pathologyoutlines.com. 2016-12-06.
5. Leach S, Heatley JJ, Pool RR, Spaulding K . Bilateral testicular germ cell-sex cord-stromal tumor in a pekin duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus). J. Avian Med. Surg.. 22. 4. 315–9. December 2008. 19216259. 10.1647/2007-017.1. 24196361.
6. Gopinath D, Draffan D, Philbey AW, Bell R . Use of intralesional oestradiol concentration to identify a functional pulmonary metastasis of canine sertoli cell tumour. J Small Anim Pract. 50. 4. 198–200. December 2008. 19037884. 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2008.00671.x. free.
7. Vegter AR, Kooistra HS, van Sluijs FJ, van Bruggen LW, Ijzer J, Zijlstra C, Okkens AC . Persistent Mullerian Duct Syndrome in a Miniature Schnauzer Dog with Signs of Feminization and a Sertoli Cell Tumour. Reprod. Domest. Anim.. 45. 3. 447–52. October 2008. 18954385. 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01223.x.