Sertoli–Leydig cell tumor in a 12-year-old girl: a review article and case report

Background: The Sertoli and Leydig cell tumor is an unusual neoplasm that belongs to the sex cord-stromal tumors. Generally these tumors are associated with good prognosis. These tumors usually present virilizing symptoms such as oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea, hirsutism, voice raucity, laryngeal protuberance and clitoromegaly.

Case presentation: A 12 year old girl referred acute abdominal pain with no other clinical manifestations. An abdominal ultrasound showed a semisolid mass suggestive of ovarian tumor. The diagnosis was confirmed by a computed tomography. A unilateral salpingo oophorectomy was performed and the pathologist reported a Sertoli-Leydig tumor with intermediate differentiation. The outcome was excellent.

Conclusions: These tumors represent a rare condition in children. However, they can occur at any age, therefore it is important to acknowledge the clinical manifestations, diagnostic approach and therapeutic options. In this case the patient presented unusual symptoms which makes it more interesting.