One of the main functions of the ovaries is to produce female hormones, estrogen and progesterone. The next function would be to release eggs. If there is no sperm to penetrate the egg, this unfertilized egg floats through the fallopian tube to the womb. Afterwards, since it’s not fertilized, the egg and blood sheds off, hence, your monthly period. As you can see, the ovaries play an important part of the reproductive system.
However, when things go wrong, as in the case of arrhenoblastoma, what can be expected? What causes it and what is the prognosis? Simply put, arrhenoblastoma of the ovaries is a rare cancer of the ovaries. Instead of releasing female hormones, this ovarian tumor releases testosterone. Consequently, the male hormones produce male characteristics in females with this condition. Cancer always begins in the cells. Cells are said to be the building blocks of our bodies. In a healthy situation, old cells die off while new cells are made by dividing off and multiplying. New cells are generated when needed. If cells ever start generating in excess or not dying off, this is when the problems sets in. These problems cells form tumors that can be malignant.
What are the Risk Factors?
Any woman who had breast, uterine, colon, or rectum cancer is at risk for ovarian cancer. Also, ovarian cancer has been shown to have strong risk factors when it comes to family history. Does your mother or sister have ovarian cancer? Then you will be more likely to be at risk. Or are you over 55 years old? Most of the women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are this age or over. Have you ever been pregnant? If you are an older women that has never been pregnant, this increases your risk. And finally, if you’ve taken menopausal hormone therapy for long periods of time, studies show that this increases your risk as well.
However, in the case of arrhenoblastoma, tumors are found in all age groups, but especially in young women. This kind of tumor is rare. It accounts for less than 0.5 percent of all ovarian tumors according to MedlinePlus.
Symptoms of arrhenoblastoma are very distinct:
Deepening of the voice
Increased acne
Increased hair on the face and body
Increased size of the clitoris
Male pattern baldness
Of course, diagnosis and treatment can only be determined after a battery of tests is performed. When arrhenoblastoma is confirmed, the usual line of treatment is surgery. If the cancer has spread, chemotherapy and radiation therapy is strongly recommended according to GARD (Genetic and Rare Disease Information Center).
Prognosis
The outlook for those with this kind of cancer, especially if found in the early stages, is usually good. It is considered a low-grade cancer, even though malignancy is very possible. If you suspect you or your daughter is exhibiting symptoms of arrhenoblastoma, please see your physician as soon as possible.
Sources:
GARD, MedlinePlus, WebMD
Dita Faulkner is a freelance writer and avid Jane Austen fan!