Ovarian germ cell tumors | |
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Specialty | Oncology |
Symptoms | Bloating, 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]
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