From the Guidelines
Yes, androgen-secreting tumors can cause excessive hair growth, a condition known as hirsutism, due to the production of abnormally high levels of androgens such as testosterone. These tumors, which can develop in the ovaries, produce androgens that stimulate terminal hair growth in typically male-pattern areas, including the face, chest, back, abdomen, and thighs 1. According to the Annals of Oncology, certain ovarian tumors like Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors, Leydig cell tumors, and steroid cell tumors can secrete androgens, leading to virilization and hirsutism in women 1.
Key Points to Consider
- Androgen-secreting tumors can cause hirsutism, characterized by excessive hair growth in a male pattern
- Ovarian tumors such as Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors, Leydig cell tumors, and steroid cell tumors can produce androgens, leading to hirsutism
- Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the tumor, which can reverse the hair growth over time
- Additional treatments for hirsutism may include anti-androgen medications like spironolactone or finasteride, or topical eflornithine cream to slow hair growth
Treatment Options
- Surgical removal of the tumor
- Anti-androgen medications like spironolactone (50-200 mg daily) or finasteride (2.5-5 mg daily)
- Topical eflornithine cream to slow hair growth
It is essential to address the underlying tumor to reverse the hair growth and improve the patient's quality of life, as excessive hair growth can have significant psychological and social impacts 1.
From the Research
Androgen Secreting Tumors and Hair Growth
- Androgen secreting tumors can cause excessive hair growth in women, leading to a condition known as hirsutism 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Hirsutism is characterized by the excessive growth of terminal hair in a typical male pattern, and is often a sign of excessive androgen levels 3, 4, 5.
- Androgen secreting tumors are a rare cause of hirsutism, accounting for less than 1% of cases, but can lead to rapid onset of symptoms and virilization 2, 3, 5.
Mechanism of Androgen Action on Hair Follicles
- Androgens are the main regulator of human hair follicles, and play a crucial role in the development of hirsutism and other hair growth disorders 6.
- Androgens act within the follicle to alter the mesenchyme-epithelial cell interactions, changing the length of time the hair is growing, the dermal papilla size and dermal papilla cell, keratinocyte and melanocyte activity 6.
- The response to androgens varies with the body site, and is specific to the hair follicle itself, leading to different patterns of hair growth and loss 6.
Clinical Evaluation and Management
- Women with suspected androgen secreting tumors should be evaluated for elevated androgen levels and undergo diagnostic imaging studies 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Treatment options for androgen secreting tumors include surgical excision and pharmacotherapy, and may involve a combination of therapies to manage symptoms and prevent further hair growth 2, 3, 4, 5.