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Ovarian Germ Cell Tumor

Tumors derived from ovarian germ cells affecting young women, often curable.

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 Germ Cell Tumor?

Ovarian germ cell tumors account for 20-25% of ovarian neoplasms but only 5% of malignant ovarian cancers. They are the most common ovarian cancers in girls and young women, with a peak incidence in the second decade. Subtypes include dysgerminoma, immature teratoma, yolk sac (endodermal sinus) tumor, embryonal carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, and mixed germ cell tumors.

Tumor markers are highly informative: dysgerminoma elevates LDH, yolk sac tumor produces alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), choriocarcinoma raises beta-hCG, and embryonal carcinoma may raise both AFP and hCG. Staging follows the FIGO system. Karyotype evaluation is important in dysgenetic gonads (e.g., Swyer syndrome with Y-chromosome material) where prophylactic gonadectomy is indicated.

Treatment combines fertility-sparing surgery (unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with surgical staging) and adjuvant BEP chemotherapy (bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin) for stage IB or higher. Five-year survival exceeds 95% for stage I dysgerminoma and 80-90% for stage III non-dysgerminoma germ cell tumors. Pure dysgerminoma is exquisitely radiosensitive but BEP is preferred to spare fertility.

Symptoms

Pelvic or abdominal pain
Abdominal mass and distension
Acute pain from ovarian torsion
Menstrual irregularities
Precocious puberty in pediatric patients (rare)
Hormonal effects with hCG-secreting tumors
Constitutional symptoms (rare; advanced disease)
Dysgenetic gonad noted on workup

Risk Factors

Adolescence and young adulthood
Gonadal dysgenesis (Swyer, Turner with Y material)
Family history of germ cell tumors
Cryptorchidism in male siblings
Prior contralateral germ cell tumor
Some genetic syndromes (Down, Klinefelter)
No major lifestyle risk factors
Asian and Caucasian ethnicities have varying incidence

When to See a Doctor?

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

  • Acute pelvic pain in adolescent or young woman
  • Pelvic or abdominal mass
  • Menstrual irregularities with abdominal pain
  • Suspicious tumor markers (AFP, hCG, LDH)
  • Imaging with adnexal mass needing tumor marker workup
  • Family history with new symptoms

Treatment Methods

01
Surgery: fertility-sparing unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with comprehensive staging
02
Chemotherapy: BEP (bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin) for stage IB and higher
03
Tumor marker monitoring during and after treatment
04
Radiotherapy: rare; may be used for selected dysgerminoma
05
Salvage therapy for relapsed disease (high-dose chemotherapy, stem cell rescue)
06
Fertility preservation counseling and oocyte/ovarian cortex cryopreservation
07
Long-term follow-up with markers and imaging
08
Genetic counseling for dysgenetic gonad cases

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.