Authors : Sonam Singh, Gomathy E, Sneha Singh, Kalyani R
DOI : 10.18231/j.ijogr.2020.029
Volume : 7
Issue : 1
Year : 2020
Page No : 133-135
Pure ovarian embryonal carcinoma is a rare type of germ cell tumor, usually presenting in adolescent age
group with only 30 odd cases reported in literature. They are mostly reported as one of the component
of mixed malignant ovarian germ cell tumor. Tumor markers such as Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
(HCG), and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) also contribute to the diagnosis,
prognosis and follow - up of germ cell tumors. Here, we report a rare case of a pure ovarian embryonal cell
carcinoma in an adolescent girl with atypically raised LDH levels whereas the other markers such as AFP,
HCG, CA-125 were normal.
A 13 year old adolescent girl presented with pain abdomen and abdominal mass. Ultrasound and CT
scanning showed a huge multi-cystic septate abdomino -pelvic mass involving the right ovary. We
performed fertility sparing staging laparotomy with right salpingo-oopherectomy, saving the uterus and
the left ovary. Presently, patient is undergoing her first cycle of combination chemotherapy (BEP regimen).
Conclusion: Pure embryonal carcinoma, being an extremely rare tumor, the treatment outcomes and longterm
disease-free survival is unknown, often data is extrapolated from its testicular counterpart, however
treatment is standardized with fertility sparing USO and combination chemotherapy as the patients are
very young. Recurrences occur mostly in the first 2 years following primary treatment. Also, secondary
malignancies due to chemo-toxicity is a concern, as patients are very young, warranting a long and intensive
surveillance.
Keywords: Germ cell tumor, Ovarian embryonal cell carcinoma, Adolescent ovarian tumors.