Dysgerminoma

Dysgerminomas are one of the germ cell tumourovarian neoplasms. They are the most common malignantgerm cellovarian carcinoma. Most dysgerminomas occur in adolescenceand early adult life; 5% occur in pre-pubertal children, and they are extremely rare after age 50.

Abnormal gonads(due to gonadal dysgenesisand androgen insensitivity syndrome) have a high risk of developing a dysgerminoma. Most dysgerminomas are associated with elevated serum lactic dehydrogenase(LDH), which is sometimes used as a tumour marker. Dysgerminomas present as bilateral tumours in 10% of patients and, in a further 10%, there is microscopic tumour in the other ovary.

On gross examination, they have a smooth, bosselatedexternal surface, which is soft, fleshy and cream-coloured, gray, pink or tan when cut. Microscopic examination reveals uniform cells that resemble primordial germ cells.

Typically, the stroma contains lymphocytesand 20% have sarcoid-like granulomas. Metastasesare most often lymphatic, and dysgerminomas are very sensitive to chemotherapyand radiotherapy, making prognosis excellent.

Dysgerminomas can be located in the brain, usually arising in the hypothalamicor epiphysialregions.

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It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dysgerminoma Wikipedia article Dysgerminoma.