Ovarian dysgerminoma in pregnancy: A case report

Medicine (Baltimore). 2021 Apr 9;100(14):e25364. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000025364.

Abstract

Rationale: Although dysgerminomas are relatively uncommon among all ovarian neoplasms, representing for only about 2%, they account for 32.8 percent of malignant ovarian germ cell tumors. Their association with pregnancy is extremely rare; due to the low frequency of occurrence, there are few recommendations regarding pregnancy management; therefore, it is important to discuss and summarize the treatment strategy.

Patient concerns: We present the case of a 25 years patient, gestation 1, para 1, who was hospitalized in the clinic at 38/39 weeks of gestation at the beginning of labor. Following the ultrasound examination, a hypoechogenic lesion on the uterine fundus was found, suggestive of subterranean fibroid. After caesarean section, right adnexectomy was performed; the histopathological examination revealed, unexpectedly, the diagnosis of dysgerminoma.

Diagnoses: Dysgerminoma as associated with pregnancy.

Interventions: Birth by Caesarean section and right adnexectomy. No other medical complications occurred.

Outcomes: The histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations were consistent with the pure dysgerminoma. Oncology was staged AI, with the monitoring of markers and abdominal and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.

Lessons: Dysgerminoma is the most common ovarian malignancy associated with pregnancy with a good fetal maternal outcome. If these tumors are discovered accidentally during caesarean section, tumor markers and magnetic resonance imaging scanning should be done postoperatively to plan optimal treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aftercare
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Cesarean Section / methods
  • Dysgerminoma / diagnosis*
  • Dysgerminoma / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / pathology*
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / surgery
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / surgery
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / pathology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography / methods

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor

Supplementary concepts

  • Ovarian Germ Cell Cancer