Ovarian germ cell tumors

Ovarian germ cell tumors
SpecialtyOncology Edit this on Wikidata
SymptomsBloating, abdominal distention, ascites, dyspareunia

Ovarian germ cell tumors (OGCTs) are heterogeneous tumors that are derived from the primitive germ cells of the embryonic gonad, which accounts for about 2.6% of all ovarian malignancies.[1] There are four main types of OGCTs, namely dysgerminomas, yolk sac tumor, teratoma, and choriocarcinoma.[1]

Dygerminomas are Malignant germ cell tumor of ovary and particularly prominent in patients diagnosed with gonadal dysgenesis.[1] OGCTs are relatively difficult to detect and diagnose at an early stage because of the nonspecific histological characteristics.[1] Common symptoms of OGCT are bloating, abdominal distention, ascites, and dyspareunia.[1] OGCT is caused mainly due to the formation of malignant cancer cells in the primordial germ cells of the ovary.[1] The exact pathogenesis of OGCTs is still unknown however, various genetic mutations and environmental factors have been identified.[1] OGCTs are commonly found during pregnancy when an adnexal mass is found during a pelvic examination, ultrasound scans show a solid mass in ovary or blood serum test shows elevated alpha-fetoprotein levels.[1] They are unlikely to have metastasized and therefore the standard tumor management is surgical resection, coupled with chemotherapy.[2] The occurrence rate is less than 3% worldwide.[3]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Cite error: The named reference Shaaban_2014 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference AHS_2013 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Matz_2017 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).