Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumor of the Ovary, from the CureRays guide library.

Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors are rare ovarian tumors that often make male hormones, usually affect young women, are mostly cured by fertility-sparing surgery, and only occasionally need chemotherapy or radiation.

What it is.

Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors are a rare type of ovarian tumor that belong to the 'sex cord-stromal' family — tumors that grow from the ovary's hormone-producing support cells rather than its egg cells. They are named for the two cell types they contain (Sertoli and Leydig cells, normally found in the testicle), and many of them produce male hormones (androgens). This can cause signs such as irregular or absent periods, acne, a deeper voice, or increased body hair, which often prompt the diagnosis. They typically occur in teenagers and young women. Most are found early, confined to one ovary, and are cured by surgery alone. A notable subset is linked to inherited changes in a gene called DICER1, so genetic counseling is often recommended, especially in younger patients. Because behavior ranges from harmless to occasionally aggressive, the tumor's grade (how mature or 'well-differentiated' it looks) guides whether extra treatment is needed.

How radiation treats it.

Radiation damages the DNA inside cancer cells so they can no longer divide and survive, while normal cells repair themselves more effectively. For Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors, surgery is the main treatment and radiation has only a limited, selective role — for example, to control an isolated area of recurrence or to relieve symptoms. When it is used, it is delivered as short, painless daily sessions and leaves no radioactivity in your body, so you remain safe to be around family and children.

The ways we can treat it.

Radiation (selective). Radiation is not a routine treatment for these tumors; it is used occasionally to control a specific site of recurrence or to relieve symptoms when surgery and chemotherapy are not options.

Stereotactic / focused radiation. When a single area of recurrent disease needs treatment, precisely targeted high-dose radiation can control it while sparing surrounding tissue.

Palliative radiation. Short courses of radiation can ease pain or other symptoms in the uncommon event of advanced, treatment-resistant disease.

Questions we hear often.

Will I still be able to have children? Usually yes. For young women with an early, one-sided tumor, surgeons can often remove only the affected ovary and fallopian tube, preserving the other ovary, the uterus, and fertility. Your team will tailor the plan to your situation.

Why did my voice deepen or my periods stop? Many of these tumors make male hormones, which can cause acne, increased body hair, a deeper voice, or changes in periods. These signs often lead to the diagnosis and usually improve after the tumor is removed.

Why am I being referred for genetic testing? Some Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors are caused by an inherited change in the DICER1 gene, which can predispose to a few other rare tumors. Testing helps guide monitoring for you and lets relatives know whether they should be checked too.

This guide is informational only. It is not medical advice — please confirm anything here with your care team.