Alpha-fetoprotein and Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor

The association between a Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor and a raised serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is an uncommon occurrence which has only been previously described in 20 patients. We report a 17-year-old patient who presented with a pelvic mass and a raised serum AFP. At laparotomy she had a FIGO stage IA moderately differentiated Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor which required no further treatment. We have reviewed the literature relating to AFP production by Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors. When serum AFP is raised at diagnosis it appears to be a reliable tumor marker, hence a baseline level should be documented on all patients with Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor.