A SERTOLI-LEYDIG CELL TUMOR IN A POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMAN

Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors are extremely rare, and their exact cellula r origin is still debated. About 10% of these tumors occur in women ov er 45 years old. A 65-year-old woman had signs of virilization. Hormon e assays revealed significantly elevated total and free testosterone, which was not suppressed by dexamethasone. Gynecologic examination rev ealed no enlargement of the adnexa. It was, nevertheless, decided to p erform laparoscopic bilateral adnexectomy with vaginal hysterectomy an d correction of an anteroposterior colpocele. Histologic examination l ed to a diagnosis of type 1 well-differentiated Sertoli-Leydig cell tu mor of the left ovary with a maximum diameter of 2.2 cm. The postopera tive course was normal, 20-month follow-up is negative, the signs of v irilization have regressed well, and testosterone levels are within th e normal range. Laparoscopic removal of the adnexa with vaginal hyster ectomy can be a useful approach to the surgical treatment of sex cord stromal tumors in postmenopausal women.