Ovarian germ cell tumors

From WikiMD.com - Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Dr.Prab.jpg

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Ovarian germ cell tumors
Dysgerminoma under high magnification
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, irregular menstruation
Complications Infertility, metastasis
Onset Typically in young women and adolescents
Duration Variable
Types Dysgerminoma, Yolk sac tumor, Teratoma, Choriocarcinoma
Causes Unknown, but may involve genetic factors
Risks Family history, genetic conditions such as Turner syndrome
Diagnosis Pelvic examination, Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, Biopsy
Differential diagnosis Ovarian cyst, Ectopic pregnancy, Ovarian cancer
Prevention None specific
Treatment Surgery, Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy
Medication Bleomycin, Etoposide, Cisplatin
Prognosis Generally good with treatment, varies by type
Frequency Rare, accounting for 2-3% of all ovarian tumors
Deaths N/A


Ovarian germ cell tumors are a type of ovarian tumor that originate from the germ cells of the ovary. These tumors are relatively rare and account for approximately 2-3% of all ovarian cancers. They primarily affect young women and adolescents.

Types[edit | edit source]

Ovarian germ cell tumors can be classified into several types based on their histological characteristics:

Dysgerminoma[edit | edit source]

Dysgerminomas are the most common type of malignant germ cell tumor of the ovary. They are analogous to seminomas in males and are characterized by their sensitivity to radiation therapy. Dysgerminomas typically present as solid masses and are often unilateral.

Immature Teratoma[edit | edit source]

Immature teratoma under high magnification

Immature teratomas contain immature or embryonic-like tissue and are considered malignant. They are graded based on the amount of immature tissue present. These tumors can grow rapidly and may spread to other parts of the body.

Yolk Sac Tumor[edit | edit source]

Yolk sac tumor under intermediate magnification

Also known as endodermal sinus tumors, yolk sac tumors are highly malignant and often secrete alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), which can be used as a tumor marker. They are aggressive and require prompt treatment.

Choriocarcinoma[edit | edit source]

Choriocarcinoma metastasis to lung under high magnification

Ovarian choriocarcinomas are rare and highly malignant tumors that can produce human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). They are known for their tendency to metastasize early, often to the lungs.

Mature Teratoma[edit | edit source]

Mature teratomas, also known as dermoid cysts, are usually benign and contain well-differentiated tissues such as skin, hair, and teeth. They are the most common type of germ cell tumor and are often found incidentally.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The diagnosis of ovarian germ cell tumors typically involves a combination of imaging studies, serum tumor markers, and histopathological examination. Ultrasound and CT scans are commonly used imaging modalities. Serum markers such as AFP, hCG, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) can aid in diagnosis and monitoring.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Diagram of ovarian cancer treatment

The treatment of ovarian germ cell tumors depends on the type and stage of the tumor. Surgery is often the first step, with the goal of removing the tumor while preserving fertility if possible. Chemotherapy is commonly used, especially for malignant tumors, with regimens often including bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP).

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for patients with ovarian germ cell tumors varies depending on the type and stage of the tumor. Dysgerminomas and immature teratomas generally have a good prognosis with appropriate treatment. Early-stage tumors have a high cure rate, while advanced-stage tumors require more aggressive treatment.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Diagram of HIPEC procedure

See Also[edit | edit source]

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD