Testosterone-Producing Tumor
What is Testosterone-Producing Tumor?
A testosterone-producing tumor is a rare growth that makes too much testosterone in your body. These tumors usually develop in the adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys, or in the ovaries or testes. They can also form in the pituitary gland, a small organ at the base of your brain.
When these tumors grow, they release excess testosterone into your bloodstream. This hormone imbalance can cause noticeable physical and emotional changes. The tumors can be benign, meaning they do not spread to other parts of the body, or malignant, meaning they are cancerous.
Most testosterone-producing tumors are discovered when someone notices sudden changes in their body or mood. Blood testing can reveal unusually high testosterone levels that point doctors toward this diagnosis. Early detection matters because treatment options work better when tumors are found sooner.
Symptoms
- Rapid growth of body or facial hair in women
- Deepening of the voice in women
- Male pattern baldness or thinning hair in women
- Irregular or absent menstrual periods in women
- Enlarged clitoris in women
- Severe acne or oily skin
- Increased muscle mass and body weight
- Mood changes including aggression or irritability
- Decreased breast size in women
- Early puberty in children
Some people with small tumors may not notice symptoms right away. The tumor might only be found during testing for other health concerns. Symptoms become more obvious as testosterone levels rise higher or the tumor grows larger.
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Causes and risk factors
Testosterone-producing tumors develop when cells in hormone-making glands grow abnormally. The exact reason why these cells start growing out of control is not fully understood. Most cases happen randomly without a clear family history. Some genetic conditions can increase the risk of developing these tumors, but this is uncommon.
Risk factors include having certain inherited syndromes that affect hormone glands. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome may have higher testosterone but this is different from a tumor. Age plays a role, as these tumors can occur at any stage of life including childhood. Having a previous history of other hormone-related tumors may slightly increase risk.
How it's diagnosed
Diagnosis starts with blood tests that measure testosterone levels in your body. Doctors look for total testosterone and free testosterone, which is the active form your body can use immediately. Very high levels of these hormones suggest a tumor might be present. Rite Aid offers testosterone testing through our network of Quest Diagnostics locations, making it easy to check your hormone levels.
If blood tests show high testosterone, your doctor will order imaging scans to find the tumor. CT scans or MRI scans can show tumors in the adrenal glands, ovaries, testes, or pituitary gland. Additional hormone tests may be needed to understand which gland is affected. Your doctor may also test other hormones to see if the tumor is producing multiple hormones at once.
Treatment options
- Surgical removal of the tumor, which is often the first treatment choice
- Medications that block testosterone production or its effects on the body
- Radiation therapy for tumors that cannot be removed with surgery
- Chemotherapy for malignant tumors that have spread to other areas
- Regular monitoring with blood tests after treatment to check for tumor return
- Hormone replacement therapy if the entire gland must be removed
- Working with an endocrinologist who specializes in hormone disorders
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Frequently asked questions
A testosterone-producing tumor is a rare growth in hormone-making glands that releases too much testosterone. These tumors usually develop in the adrenal glands, ovaries, testes, or pituitary gland. They can be benign or cancerous, and both types cause hormone imbalances that affect your body.
In women, the first signs often include rapid hair growth on the face or body, irregular periods, or deepening voice. Men may notice increased aggression or mood changes. Children might experience early puberty with rapid growth and body changes. Some people have no obvious symptoms until testosterone levels become very high.
Blood tests measure total testosterone and free testosterone in your bloodstream. Very high levels of these hormones suggest a tumor might be making excess testosterone. Your doctor compares your results to normal ranges for your age and sex. If levels are extremely elevated, imaging tests are done to locate the tumor.
Yes, some testosterone-producing tumors are malignant, meaning they are cancerous. However, many are benign and do not spread to other body parts. Your doctor will determine if the tumor is cancerous through imaging tests and sometimes biopsy. Treatment plans differ based on whether the tumor is benign or malignant.
If you notice sudden body changes like rapid hair growth or voice deepening, see your doctor right away for testing. Initial blood tests measure your testosterone levels. If a tumor is found and treated, you may need regular blood tests every few months to monitor hormone levels. Your doctor will create a testing schedule based on your specific situation.
Untreated tumors continue releasing high amounts of testosterone, causing worsening symptoms. In women, this can lead to permanent voice changes and male pattern baldness. Tumors may grow larger and potentially become cancerous if they were not already. High testosterone levels can also affect your heart health and mental wellbeing over time.
No, testosterone-producing tumors are quite rare. They affect far fewer people than other hormone disorders. Women are more likely to notice symptoms because the effects of high testosterone are more obvious. These tumors can occur at any age including in children and older adults.
Lifestyle changes cannot treat the tumor itself, which usually requires surgery or medication. However, maintaining a healthy weight and managing stress can support your overall hormone health during treatment. After tumor removal, good nutrition and regular exercise help your body recover. Always follow your doctor's treatment plan as the primary approach.
In most cases, testosterone levels drop back to normal after the tumor is removed. Blood tests taken weeks after surgery show whether hormone levels have stabilized. Some people need hormone replacement therapy if the entire gland was removed during surgery. Regular monitoring ensures levels stay in a healthy range long term.
These tumors most commonly form in the adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys. In women, they can develop in the ovaries, and in men, they may occur in the testes. Less commonly, they form in the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. Imaging scans help doctors locate exactly where the tumor is growing.