Androgenproduzierende Tumoren

Hyperandrogenism is present in 5%-10% of all women in reproductive age. In the case of rapid onset virilization, newly manifest postmenopausal hirsutism or excessive hyperandrogenemia, an androgen-producing tumor needs to be ruled out. Hormone diagnosis is mandatory. If there is a suspected androgen-producing tumor, stimulation and suppression tests may contribute to a correct diagnosis. Tumor localization can be achieved by transabdominal and vaginal sonography, computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and specific nuclear medicine procedures. Androgen producing-tumors are extremely rare and their diagnosis is challenging due to their heterogeneity. Appropriate therapy is based on exact localization and classification of the tumor, which can only be achieved by an interdisciplinary diagnostic approach. The present review summarizes such a diagnostic approach and provides an overview of androgen-producing tumors.