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| + | Sertoli cells are those which act as ''nurse cells'' to the developing spermatozoa. The sertoli cells engulf the spermatozoa, are structurally important in the seminiferous tubules and form the blood-testis barrier. |
| − | ==Introduction==
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| − | [[Testes and Epididymis - Anatomy & Physiology|Sertoli cells]] are those which act as ''nurse cells'' to the [[Spermatogenesis and Spermiation - Anatomy & Physiology|developing spermatozoa]]. The sertoli cells engulf the spermatozoa, are structurally important in the seminiferous tubules and form the blood-testis barrier.
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| − | Sertoli cell tumours are more common and appear earlier in '''retained abdominal or inguinal testes''' than in scrotal testes.
| + | Tumours are usually slow growing although 10-20% show malignant characteristics. |
| | + | Neoplasia is predisposed by inguinal or abdominal testes. |
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| − | They are not as common as the interstitial cell tumour, but about as common as the seminoma.
| + | Sertoli cell tumours usually present as a feminising syndrome in the elderly dog. Owners may also notice: |
| | + | *Asymmetric testes. |
| | + | *Swelling in one testis. |
| | + | *Infertility/subfertility in a breeding dog. |
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| − | The tumours are usually '''slow growing''' although '''10-20% show malignant characteristics'''.
| + | Treatment involves castration. Metastasis is rare but can occur, in which case chemotherapy is a possible treatment option. |
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| − | '''Functional oestrogen-secreting tumours''' occur in about 30% of cases and are more common in retained testes.
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| − | Sertoli cell tumours are more common in the '''older dogs''' and rare in cats due to widespread neutering.
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| − | ==Clinical Signs==
| + | [[Category:To Do - Reproductive]] |
| − | Sertoli cell tumours are usually associated with '''enlargement or distortion of the affected testis''', but this may be difficult to appreciate, and impossible to appreciate when the testis is intra-abdominal.
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| − | The contralateral testis is often '''atrophied'''.
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| − | Functional Sertoli cell tumours frequently result in '''feminisation''' and symmetrical alopecia, with signs including:
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| − | :gynaecomastia
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| − | :pendulous prepuce
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| − | :squatting to urinate
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| − | :attractiveness to male dogs
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| − | :decreased libido and infertility
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| − | :prostate enlargement and squamous metaplasia
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| − | '''Skin changes''' might include: bilateral symmetrical non pruritic alopecia, hyperpigmentation, [[seborrhea]] and [[Otitis Externa - Cat and Dog|otitis externa]].
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| − | If '''bone marrow suppression''' occurs, systemic signs such as dullness, [[anaemia]] and [[thrombocytopaenia]] will be present.
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| − | ==Diagnosis==
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| − | '''Physical examination''' may reveal a mass or there may be [[cryptorchidism]].
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| − | '''Haematology and biochemistry''' will help identify bone marrow suppression.
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| − | '''Abdominal radiography and ultrasonography''' will help detect internal tumours.
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| − | '''Cytology or histopathology''' from the excised testicle will help diagnose the tumour and differentiate it from other tumours.
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| − | Histopathological findings include: tubes of neoplastic cells separated by thick collagenous connective tissue septa. Spermatogenic cells and interstitial cells are rare. The pallisaded tumour cells are long and fusiform and in some areas spill out of the tubules into the stroma. It is difficult to classify benign from malignant forms but some malignant tumours show distinguishing features.
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| − | '''Cytology'' of the sublumbar, internal iliac and mesenteric lymph nodes should be performed if metastasis is suspected.
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| − | ==Treatment==
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| − | Treatment involves '''castration'''. [[Alopecia]] and feminisation should resolve within '''2-6 weeks''' unless functional metastases or extratesticular tumours are present.
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| − | If metastasis occurs '''chemotherapy''' is a possible treatment option.
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| − | {{Learning
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| − | |flashcards = [[Small Animal Abdominal and Metabolic Disorders Q&A 19]]
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| − | }}
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| − | ==References==
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| − | Pasquini, C. (1999) '''Tschauner's Guide to Small Animal Clinics''' ''Sudz Publishing''
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| − | Moulton, J. (1978) '''Tumours in domestic animals''' ''University of California Press''
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| − | Harvey, R. (2009) '''A colour handbook of skin diseases of the dogs and cat''' ''Manson Publishing''
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| − | {{review}}
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| − | {{OpenPages}}
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| − | [[Category:Reproductive Diseases - Dog]]
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| − | [[Category:Expert Review - Small Animal]] | |
| − | [[Category:Reproductive Diseases - Cat]]
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| | [[Category:Neoplasia]] | | [[Category:Neoplasia]] |
| | [[Category:Endocrine System - Pathology]] | | [[Category:Endocrine System - Pathology]] |
| − | [[Category:Testicles - Pathology]] | + | [[Category:Reproductive System - Pathology]] |
Sertoli cells are those which act as nurse cells to the developing spermatozoa. The sertoli cells engulf the spermatozoa, are structurally important in the seminiferous tubules and form the blood-testis barrier.
Tumours are usually slow growing although 10-20% show malignant characteristics.
Neoplasia is predisposed by inguinal or abdominal testes.
Sertoli cell tumours usually present as a feminising syndrome in the elderly dog. Owners may also notice:
- Asymmetric testes.
- Swelling in one testis.
- Infertility/subfertility in a breeding dog.
Treatment involves castration. Metastasis is rare but can occur, in which case chemotherapy is a possible treatment option.