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Ovarian Dysgerminoma

Most Common Malignant Germ Cell Tumor of the Ovary

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Onkoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Ovarian Dysgerminoma?

A malignant germ cell tumor histologically equivalent to testicular seminoma

Accounts for the majority of malignant ovarian germ cell tumors in adolescents and young women

Most cases are unilateral with a small percentage involving the contralateral ovary

Tumors express c-KIT, OCT3/4, and SALL4 with frequent isochromosome 12p abnormalities

Highly radiosensitive and chemosensitive with overall survival exceeding 95% in early stages

Symptoms

Pelvic or abdominal mass discovered on examination or imaging
Acute lower abdominal pain from torsion or rupture
Menstrual irregularities, primary amenorrhea, or virilization in dysgenetic gonad cases
Elevated lactate dehydrogenase and modest beta-hCG with normal alpha-fetoprotein
Pregnancy-associated diagnosis with abnormal serum tumor markers

Risk Factors

Adolescent and young adult age with peak incidence in the second and third decades
Gonadal dysgenesis including Turner syndrome and androgen insensitivity syndrome
Family history of germ cell tumors or hereditary syndromes
Cryptorchid testicular tissue or streak gonads with Y chromosome material
Female reproductive age group with rare extragonadal cases

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Adolescent or young adult woman with pelvic mass and elevated LDH
  • Acute severe pelvic pain suggesting ovarian torsion in known mass
  • Suspected gonadal dysgenesis with Y chromosome material
  • Pregnancy with abnormal serum tumor markers and adnexal mass
  • Need for fertility-sparing surgical assessment

Treatment Methods

01
Fertility-sparing unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with comprehensive surgical staging
02
Bleomycin-etoposide-cisplatin (BEP) chemotherapy for advanced or recurrent disease
03
Carboplatin-etoposide regimens as alternative platinum-based therapy
04
Surveillance only for completely resected stage IA disease in cooperative patients
05
Long-term monitoring of fertility, gonadal function, and chemotherapy late effects

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Onkoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.