Ovarian dysgerminoma in young women and in pregnancy
Bar-David, E.; Zirkin, H.J.; Lewenthal, H.
Harefuah 101(12): 347-350
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0017-7768 PMID: 7341371 Document Number: 181011
Dysgerminoma is an uncommon ovarian tumor originating from primordial germ cells. It accounts for 1-2% of all primary ovarian neoplasms and for 3-5% of primary ovarian malignancies. In 80% of cases dysgerminoma occurs in adolescence or early adulthood. Nearly half of the patients are < 20 yr of age. Twenty-five to 35% of all cases of dysgerminoma are diagnosed during pregnancy. Five cases in which treatment was unilateral adnexectomy are reported. One of the cases was diagnosed during pregnancy. Another case was followed for 18 yr. The patient has had 4 subsequent pregnancies and is now well and free of tumor. Conservative management of dysgerminoma by unilateral adnexectomy is completely justified, particularly in patients below the age of 40 in whom the preservation of reproductive function is important.