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What is ovarian germ cell tumor?
What percentage of ovarian cancer is a germ cell tumor?
Are ovarian germ cell tumors aggressive?
Jul 7, 2022 · 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. Tests that examine the ovaries, pelvic area, blood, and ovarian tissue are used to diagnose ovarian germ cell tumor.
- Overview
- Symptoms and Causes
- Diagnosis and Tests
- Management and Treatment
- Prevention
- Outlook / Prognosis
- Living With
Ovarian germ cell tumors are growths that occur most often in people 30 and under. The tumors are usually benign (noncancerous) but can be cancerous. Most ovarian germ cell tumors are treatable with surgery. For malignant tumors, your prognosis depends on the tumor type and whether the cancer’s spread.
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OverviewSymptoms and CausesDiagnosis and TestsManagement and TreatmentPreventionOutlook / PrognosisLiving With
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What are the symptoms of ovarian germ cell tumors?
It may be difficult to spot signs of ovarian germ cell tumors early on. Benign tumors may not cause symptoms unless they’re large. Symptoms of malignant tumors may not appear until the cancer has advanced. Symptoms to look out for include: Abdominal pain, discomfort or tenderness. (This may start suddenly and be severe.) Bloated belly, with or without weight gain in other parts of your body. Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation. Changes in your eating habits, like loss of appetite. Irregular vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding when you’re not on your period or after menopause. These tumors can release hormones that can cause changes in your body, including symptoms of: Early pregnancy, like fatigue, nausea or breast tenderness. Early puberty, although this is rare.
What causes ovarian germ cell tumors?
Ovarian germ cell tumors form when sex cells (germ cells) undergo changes (mutations) and form a mass. Experts continue to research why this happens, including who’s most likely to develop them. Although anyone with ovaries can develop these tumors, ovarian germ cell tumors are much more common among people in their reproductive years and younger. Advertisement
What are the complications of ovarian germ cell tumors?
Treatment is important because even if a tumor is benign, it can potentially burst open (rupture) or twist (ovarian torsion). This is more likely to happen if a tumor is large. Removing the tumor can keep this from happening.
How do healthcare providers diagnose ovarian germ cell tumors?
After asking about your symptoms, your provider will perform several tests, including a pelvic exam to check for growths and other abnormalities in your abdomen, pelvis and vagina. You may also need imaging and blood tests. Imaging tests: A transvaginal ultrasound is often the first imaging test providers perform if they suspect an ovarian germ cell tumor. This test allows your provider to see inside your abdomen and check for growths. You may also need a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as part of your diagnosis. These tests can show more detail than an ultrasound. Blood tests: You may need a serum tumor marker test, a blood test that checks the levels of certain substances in your body. High levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) or human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) can be signs of ovarian germ cell tumors. Your provider will need to remove the tumor or the entire affected ovary to make a definitive diagnosis. A pathologist will test the cells in a lab to determine the type of tumor and whether it’s benign or malignant.
How are ovarian germ cell tumors treated?
Most germ cell tumors are treatable. Your treatment plan will depend on the tumor’s size and whether it’s benign or malignant. Regardless, your provider will take care to conserve as much of your ovary as possible to preserve your fertility if you’re in your reproductive years.
Can I prevent ovarian germ cell tumors?
You can’t prevent germ cell tumors. But you can get regular checkups so your provider can monitor your health and assess your cancer risk.
What is the outlook for people with ovarian germ cell tumors?
The outlook for benign ovarian germ cell tumors is excellent. Benign tumors usually don’t grow back after providers remove them. The outlook for malignant germ cell tumors varies depending on the tumor type and cancer stage. Cancer specialists determine outlook by calculating how many people with a specific cancer are alive five years after their diagnosis, or the five-year survival rate. If cancer hasn’t spread beyond your ovaries, there is a 94% to 98% survival rate. Cancers that have spread farther away from the original tumor site have a 73% five-year survival rate. Your provider will monitor you closely during this period to ensure you receive treatment if the cancer returns (recurs).
When should I see my healthcare provider about ovarian germ cell tumors?
See a provider immediately if you or your child experiences symptoms of an ovarian germ cell tumor. Some germ cell tumors grow quickly. Finding them early and getting treatment as soon as possible can improve the outlook significantly.
What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?
If you learn you have an ovarian germ cell tumor, questions to ask include: Is the tumor benign or malignant? What tests will I need to determine what treatments I’ll need? What treatments would you recommend? What can I expect after treatment? Will my diagnosis or treatment affect my ability to have a baby? A note from Cleveland Clinic See a provider immediately if you or your child experiences symptoms of an ovarian germ cell tumor. In most cases, they’re benign (noncancerous). Surgery can prevent complications like a large tumor bursting or twisting. In the rare instance that a tumor is malignant (cancerous), getting diagnosed and treated early can significantly improve your outlook. Even if you’re not experiencing symptoms, talk to your provider about scheduling regular checkups to monitor your reproductive health and organs. Medically Reviewed Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/23/2024. Learn more about our editorial process.
Most types and stages of germ cell cancers of the ovary are treated the same way, with surgery and chemotherapy (chemo). Surgery: In general, all women with malignant germ cell tumors will have the same staging surgery that is done for epithelial ovarian cancer.
Oct 13, 2021 · Germ cell ovarian cancer is a rare type of ovarian cancer. Most germ cell tumors are benign. But germ cells in the ovaries can form malignant tumors, which can spread to other parts of...
- Beth Sissons
Jun 30, 2022 · Ovarian germ cell tumors (OGCTs) are derived from primordial germ cells of the ovary ( figure 1 ). They may be benign (eg, mature teratoma) or malignant (eg, immature teratoma, dysgerminoma, yolk sac tumor, mixed germ cell neoplasm).
Nov 17, 2021 · Germ cell tumors make up about 2 to 3 percent of all ovarian cancers, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Germ cells are the egg cells located in the ovaries in women and the sperm cells located in the testes in men. Growths that develop in egg cells are called ovarian germ cell tumors.
