What are ovarian germ cell tumors?
Ovarian germ cell tumors develop from reproductive cells, also known as germ cells, inside your ovaries. The germ cells inside your ovaries eventually mature into eggs. An ovarian germ cell tumor occurs when some of these cells clump together to form an abnormal mass instead. Most ovarian germ cell tumors are benign (noncancerous) but can sometimes be malignant (cancerous). These tumors are a rare form of ovarian cancer.
What are the types of ovarian germ cell tumors?
There are several types of ovarian germ cell tumors, including:
- Mature teratoma – the most common type of benign ovarian germ cell tumor that is most common in people in their teens, 20s or 30s.
- Dysgerminoma – the most common type of malignant ovarian germ cell tumor that is most common in people in their 20s or 30s.
- Immature teratoma – a fast-growing malignant tumor that can spread from your ovaries to other parts of your body that are most common in people 20 years and younger.
- Yolk sac tumors – malignant tumors that grow quickly and spread fast that are most common in people 20 years and younger.
- Mixed germ cell tumors – malignant tumors that contain a mix of other tumor types, usually dysgerminoma and yolk sac tumors.
What are causes and symptoms of ovarian germ cell tumors?
Ovarian germ cell tumors form when germ cells clump together to form an abnormal mass. Although anyone with ovaries can develop these tumors, they are more common among people in their reproductive years and younger.
Benign ovarian germ cell tumors may not show symptoms unless they are larger in size. Symptoms of malignant tumors may not be present until it is in a later stage. Common symptoms can include:
- Abdominal pain, discomfort or tenderness
- Abdominal bloating
- Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation
- Changes in your eating habits
- Irregular vaginal bleeding
How are ovarian germ cell tumors diagnosed and staged?
To diagnose a ovarian germ cell tumor, your provider will perform a pelvic exam, as well as order imaging and blood tests. If the tests detect a tumor, they will measure the tumor size and location to help your provider determine the best course of treatment.
Stages for malignant ovarian germ cell tumor are:
- Stage 1 – The cancer is only in your ovaries.
- Stage 2 – The cancer has spread to other tissues in your pelvis.
- Stage 3 – The cancer has spread to your lymph nodes or the tissue lining your pelvic organs or abdominal cavity.
- Stage 4 – The cancer has grown into your liver or spleen or has spread to tissues and organs outside your abdomen, like your lungs.
What are treatment options for ovarian germ cell tumors?
Treatment will depend on the tumor’s size and whether it’s benign or malignant. For benign tumors, your provider will surgically remove the tumor, sometimes removing the entire ovary or part of the ovary to get rid of the growth. Malignant tumors require more invasive treatment:
- Surgery – to remove one or both of your ovaries or fallopian tubes. If the cancer has spread beyond the ovaries and fallopian tubes, you may need a total hysterectomy to remove your uterus and cervix.
- Chemotherapy to kill remaining cancer cells and keep them from multiplying.