Guide | Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
An ovarian germ cell tumor grows in a woman's ovary. Most are benign and are not cancer. Malignant germ cell tumors are rare, accounting for only 2% of ovarian cancers. The ovaries produce eggs and hormones, and germ cell tumors begin in the cells that form eggs.
1. Causes of Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors
Doctors do not know why some women develop ovarian germ cell tumors. Certain congenital conditions affecting the nervous system, reproductive organs, or urinary tract may increase risk. Genetic disorders involving extra or missing sex chromosomes may also raise risk. These tumors usually occur in adolescents or young women and are less common in women in their 60s.
2. Symptoms
Ovarian germ cell tumors can be difficult to detect early because symptoms often develop only after the tumor has spread. Symptoms may include:
Abdominal swelling without swelling elsewhere
Abdominal pain, pressure, or fullness
Vaginal bleeding after menopause
These symptoms can have other causes, but medical evaluation is recommended if they occur.
3. Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your health and symptoms and examine the abdomen for swelling or a mass. Tests may include:
Pelvic examination: A speculum is used to view the cervix, and the uterus and ovaries are examined by touch.
Blood tests: Some cancers release tumor markers into the blood, which can aid diagnosis.
CT scan: A detailed X-ray examination of the ovaries and other organs.
MRI scan: Strong magnetic fields and radio waves create images of the ovaries and other organs.
Laparotomy: An abdominal incision allows the doctor to look for cancer and remove a small tissue sample for microscopic examination (biopsy).
4. Treatment
If the tumor is benign, the doctor and patient may choose active surveillance rather than immediate treatment. There are three main treatments:
Surgery: If the tumor is not cancerous, only the affected part of the ovary may be removed. For cancer, the aim is to remove as much cancerous tissue as possible. The procedure depends on tumor size.
Salpingo-oophorectomy: Removal of one or both ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Total hysterectomy: Removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and cervix.
Chemotherapy: Medicines taken orally or intravenously kill cancer cells or stop their growth. Chemotherapy may follow surgery for malignant tumors.
Radiotherapy: High-energy X-rays kill cancer cells or stop their growth. It may be used alone or after surgery.
If the tumor is malignant, palliative care is also important for managing pain, emotional distress, and other concerns. Clinical trials may offer new treatments; patients can ask their doctor whether participation is appropriate.
Pregnancy After Treatment
The ability to become pregnant after germ cell tumor treatment depends on the surgery. Pregnancy is usually still possible if only one ovary and fallopian tube are removed. If both ovaries are removed, eggs may be frozen beforehand for later in vitro fertilization (IVF). Pregnancy is not possible if both the ovaries and uterus are removed. Fertility goals should therefore be discussed with the doctor before surgery so treatment can account for future pregnancy plans.
Guide | Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Guide | Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
An ovarian germ cell tumor grows in a woman's ovary. Most are benign and are not cancer. Malignant germ cell tumors are rare, accounting for only 2% of ovarian cancers. The ovaries produce eggs and hormones, and germ cell tumors begin in the cells that form eggs.
1. Causes of Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors
Doctors do not know why some women develop ovarian germ cell tumors. Certain congenital conditions affecting the nervous system, reproductive organs, or urinary tract may increase risk. Genetic disorders involving extra or missing sex chromosomes may also raise risk. These tumors usually occur in adolescents or young women and are less common in women in their 60s.
2. Symptoms
Ovarian germ cell tumors can be difficult to detect early because symptoms often develop only after the tumor has spread. Symptoms may include:
Abdominal swelling without swelling elsewhere
Abdominal pain, pressure, or fullness
Vaginal bleeding after menopause
These symptoms can have other causes, but medical evaluation is recommended if they occur.
3. Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your health and symptoms and examine the abdomen for swelling or a mass. Tests may include:
Pelvic examination: A speculum is used to view the cervix, and the uterus and ovaries are examined by touch.
Blood tests: Some cancers release tumor markers into the blood, which can aid diagnosis.
CT scan: A detailed X-ray examination of the ovaries and other organs.
MRI scan: Strong magnetic fields and radio waves create images of the ovaries and other organs.
Laparotomy: An abdominal incision allows the doctor to look for cancer and remove a small tissue sample for microscopic examination (biopsy).
4. Treatment
If the tumor is benign, the doctor and patient may choose active surveillance rather than immediate treatment. There are three main treatments:
Surgery: If the tumor is not cancerous, only the affected part of the ovary may be removed. For cancer, the aim is to remove as much cancerous tissue as possible. The procedure depends on tumor size.
Salpingo-oophorectomy: Removal of one or both ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Total hysterectomy: Removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and cervix.
Chemotherapy: Medicines taken orally or intravenously kill cancer cells or stop their growth. Chemotherapy may follow surgery for malignant tumors.
Radiotherapy: High-energy X-rays kill cancer cells or stop their growth. It may be used alone or after surgery.
If the tumor is malignant, palliative care is also important for managing pain, emotional distress, and other concerns. Clinical trials may offer new treatments; patients can ask their doctor whether participation is appropriate.
Pregnancy After Treatment
The ability to become pregnant after germ cell tumor treatment depends on the surgery. Pregnancy is usually still possible if only one ovary and fallopian tube are removed. If both ovaries are removed, eggs may be frozen beforehand for later in vitro fertilization (IVF). Pregnancy is not possible if both the ovaries and uterus are removed. Fertility goals should therefore be discussed with the doctor before surgery so treatment can account for future pregnancy plans.
Source:
Collected online