Health Encyclopedia

Leydig cell tumor

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.

Review Date:4/27/2007
Reviewed By:Rita Nanda, M.D., Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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