Sertoli cell tumors can lead to which of the following?

Prepare for USMLE Step 1 Pathology Exam with comprehensive quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations. Enhance your understanding and be exam-ready!

Sertoli cell tumors, which arise from the Sertoli cells in the testes, can indeed lead to both increased estrogen production and precocious puberty.

Sertoli cells are involved in the support and regulation of spermatogenesis and, although they primarily produce androgen-binding protein, they can also contribute to hormone production that influences estrogen levels in the body. In certain cases, these tumors may secrete estrogen, leading to an increased concentration of this hormone.

Additionally, the presence of Sertoli cell tumors can result in the premature activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which can cause precocious puberty. This activation leads to the early secretion of testosterone and other sex steroids, resulting in the physical characteristics associated with puberty occurring at an earlier age than normal.

Thus, increased estrogen production and the induction of precocious puberty due to Sertoli cell tumors are both valid consequences of this pathological condition.

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