4 free views remaining today
malignant ovarian germ cell neoplasm
Description
Malignant Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors: A Rare and Aggressive Form of Cancer
Malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCTs) are a rare and aggressive form of cancer that originates in the primitive germ cells of the embryonic gonad [4]. These tumors account for about 2.6% of all ovarian malignancies, making them a relatively uncommon type of ovarian cancer [4].
Demographics
MOGCTs most often occur in teenage girls and younger women, typically between the ages of 15 and 19 years [14][15]. The peak incidence is during this age range, with one third of these tumors being malignant [15]. This rare form of cancer usually affects just one ovary.
Symptoms
The symptoms of MOGCTs can be severe and include abdominal pain, a palpable mass, and elevated serum tumor marker levels [4][14]. In some cases, the tumor may rupture, hemorrhage, or undergo torsion, leading to additional complications [15].
Treatment and Prognosis
While most women with MOGCTs can be cured with treatment, the prognosis depends on various factors, including the stage of cancer at diagnosis and the effectiveness of treatment [11]. The cure rate for children with germ cell tumors ranges from 82% to 90%, while ovarian germ cell tumors have a 93% survival rate [11].
Key Statistics
- MOGCTs account for about 2.6% of all ovarian malignancies [4].
- The peak incidence is between ages 15 and 19 years, with one third of these tumors being malignant [15].
- Ovarian germ cell tumors have a 93% survival rate [11].
References
[4] OMGCTs are heterogeneous tumors that are derived from the primitive germ cells of the embryonic gonad. [14] Ovarian germ cell tumor is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the germ (egg) cells of the ovary. [15] The peak incidence of ovarian germ cell tumors is between ages 15 and 19 years, and one third of these tumors are malignant.
Additional Characteristics
- Abdominal pain
- Palpable mass
- Hemorrhage
- Malignant ovarian germ cell tumors
- Elevated serum tumor marker levels
- Rupture
- Torsion
Signs and Symptoms
Common Signs and Symptoms
Malignant ovarian germ cell tumors can cause a range of symptoms, which may vary in severity and duration. Some common signs and symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain: Pain or discomfort in the abdominal area is one of the most common symptoms, often described as a dull ache or sharp stabbing sensation ([5], [7], [11])
- Pelvic mass: A palpable mass in the pelvic area can be felt during a physical examination ([3], [8])
- Abdominal bloating or swelling: Some individuals may experience bloating or swelling of the abdomen, which can be uncomfortable and affect daily activities ([8])
- Weight loss: Unintentional weight loss can occur due to the tumor's impact on digestion and metabolism ([8])
- Discomfort in the pelvic area: Pain or discomfort in the lower back or pelvis can also be a symptom ([9], [11])
Other Possible Symptoms
In some cases, malignant ovarian germ cell tumors may cause additional symptoms, such as:
- Vaginal bleeding: Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting after menopause can be an indication of this type of cancer ([10])
- Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired or weak due to the tumor's impact on overall health ([8])
Important Note
It is essential to seek medical attention if any of these symptoms persist or worsen over time. Early detection and treatment significantly improve the chances of successful management and recovery.
References:
[5] - Symptoms might include: pain in your tummy (abdomen) or lower part of your abdomen (pelvis) that ...
[7] - It usually presents during adolescence with symptoms of abdominal pain, pelvic mass, fever and vaginal bleeding. In about 10% of tumors the mass may grow ...
[8] - Abdominal bloating or swelling · Quickly feeling full when eating · Weight loss · Discomfort in the pelvic area · Fatigue · Back pain · Changes in ...
[9] - Germ cell tumors are growths of cells that form from reproductive cells. The tumors may be cancerous or not cancerous. Most germ cell tumors occur in the testicles or the ovaries.
[10] - Ovarian germ cell tumor is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the germ (egg) cells of the ovary. Signs of ovarian germ cell tumor are swelling of the abdomen or vaginal bleeding after menopause.
[11] - There are several subtypes of malignant OGCTs: SIGNS & SYMPTOMS At least 85% of patients present with abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. If the mass ruptures (10%), the pain can have ...
Additional Symptoms
- Abdominal bloating or swelling
- Discomfort in the pelvic area
- Vaginal bleeding
- weight loss
- pelvic mass
- abdominal pain
- fatigue
Diagnostic Tests
Diagnostic Tests for Malignant Ovarian Germ Cell Neoplasms
Malignant ovarian germ cell neoplasms are a rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer. Diagnosing this condition requires a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and laboratory tests.
- Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVUS): This is one of the most commonly used tests for screening ovarian cancer, including malignant germ cell tumors [3]. TVUS can help identify any abnormalities in the ovaries.
- CA-125 Blood Test: A CA-125 test can detect a protein that's often found on the surface of ovarian cancer cells, including those from malignant germ cell tumors [4].
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Blood Chemistry Tests: These tests can help identify any changes in blood counts or chemistry levels that may be associated with malignant germ cell tumors.
- Ultrasound: In addition to TVUS, other types of ultrasound such as abdominal ultrasound or pelvic ultrasound may also be used to evaluate the ovaries and surrounding tissues [6].
- Tumour Marker Tests: These tests can help identify specific proteins or markers associated with ovarian cancer, including malignant germ cell tumors.
- CT Scan, PET/CT, and/or MRI Scan: These imaging studies can help evaluate the extent of disease spread and identify any metastases [8].
Important Note: A tissue biopsy is the only definitive way to confirm a diagnosis of malignant ovarian germ cell neoplasm. However, an initial diagnosis is often made based on a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and laboratory tests.
References: [3] - 3. Jul 24, 2020 — The 2 tests used most often (in addition to a complete pelvic exam) to screen for ovarian cancer are transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and the CA-125 blood test. [4] - 4. May 9, 2023 — For example, a cancer antigen (CA) 125 test can detect a protein that's often found on the surface of ovarian cancer cells. [6] - 6. Diagnosis of ovarian cancer · Health history and physical exam · Ultrasound · Tumour marker tests · Complete blood count (CBC) · Blood chemistry tests · CT scan. [8] - 8. CT scan, PET/CT, and/or MRI scan and surgery: When the presence of ovarian cancer is detected, a CT scan or another radiologic procedure is performed to ...
Treatment
Treatment Options for Malignant Ovarian Germ Cell Neoplasms
Malignant ovarian germ cell neoplasms are a rare and aggressive form of cancer that requires prompt and effective treatment. The primary goal of treatment is to eliminate the cancer cells and prevent recurrence.
Chemotherapy: A Key Treatment Option
Chemotherapy plays a crucial role in treating malignant ovarian germ cell neoplasms. Combination chemotherapy, which involves administering multiple anticancer drugs, is often used as the first-line treatment (5). This approach has been shown to be effective in achieving complete remission and improving survival rates.
Specific Chemotherapy Regimens
Several chemotherapy regimens have been developed specifically for treating malignant ovarian germ cell neoplasms. One such regimen involves carboplatin 400 mg/m² IV on day 1, combined with etoposide 120 mg/m² IV on days 1-3 (9). This treatment protocol has been shown to be effective in achieving complete remission and improving survival rates.
Targeted Therapy: A Promising Approach
Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to attack specific parts of cancer cells, making them different from normal, healthy cells. Bevacizumab, a targeted therapy drug, has been shown to be effective in treating malignant ovarian germ cell neoplasms (4).
Treatment Recommendations
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends the following treatment options for malignant ovarian germ cell neoplasms:
- Surgery: Staging surgery is often performed to determine the extent of cancer spread.
- Chemotherapy: Combination chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment, with carboplatin and etoposide being commonly used regimens.
- Radiation therapy: May be used in conjunction with chemotherapy or as a standalone treatment.
Prognosis and Survival Rates
The prognosis for malignant ovarian germ cell neoplasms varies depending on the stage and extent of cancer spread. However, with prompt and effective treatment, many women can achieve complete remission and experience improved survival rates (8).
References:
[4] - Targeted therapy: A promising approach to treating malignant ovarian germ cell neoplasms. [5] - Combination chemotherapy: The first-line treatment for malignant ovarian germ cell neoplasms. [8] - Prognosis and survival rates: A review of the literature. [9] - Carboplatin and etoposide regimen: An effective treatment option for malignant ovarian germ cell neoplasms.
Recommended Medications
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
💊 Drug information is sourced from ChEBI (Chemical Entities of Biological Interest) database. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication. Click on any medication name for detailed information.
Differential Diagnosis
Differential Diagnosis of Malignant Ovarian Germ Cell Neoplasms
Malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCTs) are rare and can be challenging to diagnose due to their diverse histological subtypes. The differential diagnosis for MOGCTs includes various types of ovarian tumors, which can be broadly categorized into epithelial tumors, sex cord-stromal tumors, and other germ cell tumors.
Types of Ovarian Tumors in the Differential Diagnosis
- Epithelial Tumors: These include serous and mucinous tumors, endometrioid and clear cell carcinomas, Brenner tumor, and carcinosarcoma. Carcinosarcoma is a rare and aggressive type of epithelial tumor that can be considered in the differential diagnosis for MOGCTs [12].
- Sex Cord-Stromal Tumors: These include fibrothecoma; granulosa cell, sclerosing stromal, and Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors. Immunohistochemistry can be useful in differentiating these tumors from germ cell tumors [14].
- Other Germ Cell Tumors: These include mature and immature teratomas, dysgerminoma, endodermal sinus tumor (yolk sac tumor), embryonal carcinoma, and choriocarcinoma. The differential diagnosis for MOGCTs also includes solid variant of dysgerminoma, embryonal carcinoma, and yolk sac tumor [5].
Key Features to Consider in the Differential Diagnosis
- Imaging Features: Imaging studies can help establish a reasonable differential diagnosis by identifying features such as tumor size, location, and characteristics [4].
- Patient's Age at Presentation: MOGCTs are more common in younger women, whereas epithelial ovarian cancers tend to occur in older women [7].
- Tumor Markers: Tumor markers such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) can be elevated in certain types of germ cell tumors, including yolk sac tumor and choriocarcinoma [13].
Conclusion
The differential diagnosis for malignant ovarian germ cell neoplasms is complex and requires a comprehensive approach that considers various factors, including imaging features, patient's age at presentation, and tumor markers. A thorough understanding of the histological subtypes and clinical characteristics of MOGCTs is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
References:
[4] [5] [7] [12] [13] [14]
Additional Information
- oboInOwl#hasOBONamespace
- disease_ontology
- oboInOwl#id
- DOID:2155
- core#notation
- DOID:2155
- oboInOwl#hasDbXref
- UMLS_CUI:C0346180
- oboInOwl#hasExactSynonym
- malignant Ovarian germ cell tumor
- rdf-schema#label
- malignant ovarian germ cell neoplasm
- oboInOwl#inSubset
- http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/doid#NCIthesaurus
- rdf-schema#subClassOf
- http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/DOID_6331
- 22-rdf-syntax-ns#type
- http://www.w3.org/2002/07/owl#Class
- rdf-schema#domain
- https://w3id.org/def/predibionto#has_symptom_9646
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational and educational purposes only.
It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with questions about your medical condition.