Overview
Sex cord-stromal tumors of the testis are a rare group of tumors that develop from the supportive tissue of the testicle rather than from the sperm-producing cells. These tumors arise from cells called sex cord cells and stromal cells, which normally help produce hormones like testosterone and provide structural support to the testis. The main types include Leydig cell tumors, Sertoli cell tumors, granulosa cell tumors, and mixed or unclassified types. Together, they account for roughly 5% of all testicular tumors in adults and a higher proportion in children. Symptoms often include a painless lump or swelling in one testicle. Because some of these tumors produce hormones, patients may also experience breast enlargement (gynecomastia), early puberty in children, or changes in sex drive. Some tumors are found incidentally during imaging for other reasons. Most sex cord-stromal tumors of the testis are benign (not cancerous), but a small percentage can be malignant and may spread to other parts of the body. Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the affected testicle or, in select cases, just the tumor while preserving the testicle. For the rare malignant cases, additional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, or surveillance may be considered. Because these tumors are uncommon, management is best guided by specialists experienced with testicular tumors.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Painless lump or swelling in one testicleBreast enlargement in males (gynecomastia)Early puberty in boysChanges in sex drive or libidoErectile dysfunctionFeeling of heaviness in the scrotumHormonal imbalancesInfertility or reduced sperm countAbdominal or groin discomfort if tumor is largeFeminizing features such as decreased body hair in adult menTesticular pain or tenderness (less common)
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Sex cord-stromal tumor of testis.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Sex cord-stromal tumor of testis at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
Rare Disease Specialist
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Sex cord-stromal tumor of testis.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with Sex cord-stromal tumor of testis.
Start the conversation →Latest news about Sex cord-stromal tumor of testis
No recent news articles for Sex cord-stromal tumor of testis.
Follow this condition to be notified when news becomes available.
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What specific type of sex cord-stromal tumor do I have, and is it benign or malignant?,Is testis-sparing surgery an option for me, or is removal of the entire testicle necessary?,Will this tumor or its treatment affect my fertility, and should I consider sperm banking?,What is my risk of the tumor coming back, and what follow-up schedule do you recommend?,Are my hormone levels affected, and will I need hormone replacement therapy?,Should I or my family members be tested for any genetic syndromes associated with this tumor?,Are there any clinical trials available for my type of tumor?
Common questions about Sex cord-stromal tumor of testis
What is Sex cord-stromal tumor of testis?
Sex cord-stromal tumors of the testis are a rare group of tumors that develop from the supportive tissue of the testicle rather than from the sperm-producing cells. These tumors arise from cells called sex cord cells and stromal cells, which normally help produce hormones like testosterone and provide structural support to the testis. The main types include Leydig cell tumors, Sertoli cell tumors, granulosa cell tumors, and mixed or unclassified types. Together, they account for roughly 5% of all testicular tumors in adults and a higher proportion in children. Symptoms often include a painles
How is Sex cord-stromal tumor of testis inherited?
Sex cord-stromal tumor of testis follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
Which specialists treat Sex cord-stromal tumor of testis?
9 specialists and care centers treating Sex cord-stromal tumor of testis are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.