Ovarian germ cell tumor

Ovarian germ cell tumor is a type of tumor that originates from the egg-producing cells in the ovary. These tumors are rare and account for about 2% of all ovarian cancer cases. They are most commonly diagnosed in women under the age of 20, but can occur at any age.

Types

There are several types of ovarian germ cell tumors, including:

• Dysgerminoma: This is the most common type of ovarian germ cell tumor. It is usually diagnosed at an early stage and has a high cure rate.

• Yolk sac tumor: Also known as endodermal sinus tumor, this is a rare and aggressive type of ovarian germ cell tumor. It is most commonly diagnosed in children and young women.

• Immature teratoma: This type of tumor contains cells that resemble those of an early embryo. It is usually diagnosed in young women and has a high cure rate if detected early.

• Embryonal carcinoma: This is a very rare type of ovarian germ cell tumor. It is aggressive and often diagnosed at a late stage.

Symptoms

The symptoms of ovarian germ cell tumors can vary depending on the type and stage of the tumor. Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal bloating
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Feeling of fullness even after a light meal

Diagnosis

Ovarian germ cell tumors are diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, imaging tests, and biopsy. Blood tests may also be done to check for elevated levels of certain tumor markers, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

Treatment

The treatment for ovarian germ cell tumors depends on the type and stage of the tumor. Treatment options include:

• Surgery: This is the primary treatment for most ovarian germ cell tumors. The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as possible.

• Chemotherapy: This is often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. It may also be used before surgery to shrink large tumors.

• Radiation therapy: This is rarely used for ovarian germ cell tumors, but may be an option in certain cases.

Prognosis

The prognosis for ovarian germ cell tumors is generally good, especially if the tumor is diagnosed at an early stage. The overall 5-year survival rate for women with ovarian germ cell tumors is over 90%.

See also

• Ovarian cancer
• Germ cell tumor
• Ovarian tumor

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