Classification of testicular and ovarian androblastoma and sertoli cell tumors. A survey of comparative studies with consideration of histogenesis, endocrinology, and embryological theories

Sex cord-stromal (gonadal stromal) tumors of the testis: a report of 5 cases

Sex cord-stromal (gonadal stromal) tumors of the testis account for less than 4 per cent of the testicular tumors. The Leydig cell tumor in a child may produce isosexual virilization (case 3). In the adult it may have no endocrine manifestation (case 1) or gynecomastia and decrease in libidio may result from production of estrogens (case 2). Sertoli cell tumors (case 4) and granulosa cell tumors (case5) are rare.

Sertoli cell tumors of ovary: light microscopic and ultrastructural study with histogenetic considerations

Two cases of pure Sertoli cell tumors of the ovary are presented. The tumors were grey to brown and generally solid, but with several cystic areas. They showed a highly differentiated, but variable, histologic patterns with solid cords of neoplastic cells, as well as tubular formations. Ultrastructurally, the basal part of the cells rested on a nonfibrillary basement membrane layer while the free border showed occasional cilia. Laterally, the cells showed tight junctions and desmosomes. Abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum and some cystically dilated smooth endoplasmic reticulum were evident. The theories regarding the histogenesis are discussed. Enough similarities, both by light and by electron microscopy, are presented between these tumors and the Sertoli cell to justify classifying these ovarian tumors as Sertoli cell in type. The development of cilia is considered to be a manifestation of focal metaplasia of the neoplastic Sertoli cell.

Bilateral Sertoli cell tumor of testes with feminizing and masculinizing activity occurring in a child

A case of an unusual, histologically atypical, bilateral Sertoli cell tumor of testis, in association with masculinization and feminization effects, that occurring in a 5-year-old boy, is presented. Although Sertoli cell tumors are not infrequent, this case is morphologically and endocrinologically unique.

Androblastoma and germ cell tumor of the same testis: a case report

The rare case of a testicular androblastoma associated with a complex germ cell tumor of the same testis is reported. Gynecomastia preceded the clinical appearace of testicular swelling by 3 months, suggesting that the 2 tumors developed contemporaneously and that, in theory, the Sertoli cell tumor is probably dependent on the germ cell tumor.