Ovarian Dysgerminoma: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Deepthi , Gynecologists

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Ovarian dysgerminoma is a rare type of malignant ovarian germ cell tumor that develops from the cells that normally form eggs. It most commonly affects adolescents and young women and usually develops in only one ovary.

Although ovarian dysgerminoma can grow and spread, it is generally highly responsive to treatment, particularly when diagnosed early. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, and close follow-up, with fertility-preserving approaches considered for appropriate patients.

What Are the Types of Ovarian Dysgerminoma?

Dysgerminoma is a specific type of malignant ovarian germ cell tumor and is not routinely divided into separate clinical subtypes. Doctors mainly classify it according to its stage, tumor size, and whether it has spread beyond the ovary.

Early-stage dysgerminoma: The tumor is limited to the ovary or ovaries without distant spread.
Advanced-stage dysgerminoma: The cancer has spread beyond the ovary to nearby pelvic or abdominal tissues or distant areas.

The stage of ovarian dysgerminoma helps doctors determine the most appropriate treatment and follow-up plan.

What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Dysgerminoma?

Ovarian dysgerminoma may cause symptoms as the tumor grows or puts pressure on nearby organs. Some patients may have few symptoms initially, while others develop abdominal or pelvic symptoms.

Abdominal or pelvic pain
Abdominal swelling or fullness
A pelvic mass or pressure in the lower abdomen
Menstrual irregularities
Fatigue
Nausea or vomiting
Constipation or other bowel changes
Unexplained weight loss

Persistent or worsening abdominal or pelvic symptoms, particularly when associated with a new pelvic mass, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

What Are the Causes of Ovarian Dysgerminoma?

The exact cause of ovarian dysgerminoma is not fully understood. It develops when ovarian germ cells undergo abnormal changes that cause uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation.

Abnormal genetic changes in ovarian germ cells
Changes affecting normal cell growth and development
Abnormal development of gonadal tissue in certain genetic conditions

There is no established evidence that common lifestyle factors, hormonal imbalances, or exposure to chemicals directly cause most cases of ovarian dysgerminoma.

When Should You See a Doctor for Ovarian Dysgerminoma?

See a doctor if you have persistent abdominal or pelvic symptoms, especially if they are unexplained, worsening, or associated with a pelvic mass. Early evaluation can help identify ovarian tumors and other conditions that may need treatment.

Ongoing abdominal or pelvic pain or swelling
A new pelvic mass or feeling of abdominal fullness
Persistent menstrual irregularities
Unexplained fatigue or weight loss
Persistent nausea, vomiting, or constipation

Doctors who may treat ovarian dysgerminoma include:

Gynecologic oncologist: Leads the evaluation and treatment of ovarian cancer, including surgery and cancer staging.
Medical oncologist: Provides chemotherapy and manages cancer medicines when needed.
Gynecologist: Evaluates ovarian symptoms and may identify the tumor before referral to a cancer specialist.
Radiologist: Interprets ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans used to assess the ovarian tumor and its spread.
Pathologist: Examines tumor tissue to confirm dysgerminoma and determine its characteristics.
Fertility specialist: May help young patients who want to preserve fertility before or during cancer treatment.

Get medical help immediately if:

Severe or sudden abdominal or pelvic pain
Persistent vomiting or inability to keep food or fluids down
Rapid abdominal swelling or sudden worsening of symptoms

Prompt evaluation is important because ovarian tumors can grow and cause complications if left untreated.

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How Is Ovarian Dysgerminoma Diagnosed?

Diagnosing ovarian dysgerminoma involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging, blood tests, and examination of tumor tissue. These tests help identify the ovarian mass, assess whether it has spread, and confirm the diagnosis.

Pelvic ultrasound: Helps identify and characterize an ovarian mass.
CT or MRI: Provides detailed images of the tumor and helps assess whether the cancer has spread.
Blood tests: Tumor markers such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) may be elevated in dysgerminoma and can help support the diagnosis and monitor treatment response.
Surgical evaluation: Surgery may be required to assess the tumor and determine the extent of disease.
Histopathological examination: Examination of tumor tissue under a microscope confirms the diagnosis.

What Are the Treatment Options for Ovarian Dysgerminoma?

Treatment depends on the stage of ovarian dysgerminoma, tumor characteristics, overall health, and fertility goals. Surgery and chemotherapy are the main treatment approaches.

Fertility-sparing surgery: For many young patients whose disease is limited to one ovary, the affected ovary and fallopian tube may be removed while preserving the uterus and opposite ovary.
Chemotherapy: Platinum-based combination chemotherapy, such as bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP), may be recommended for advanced disease or selected patients after surgery.
Surgery for advanced disease: Additional surgery may be required when the tumor has spread or when complete surgical staging is necessary.
Fertility preservation: Oocyte or embryo preservation may be considered for appropriate patients who wish to preserve fertility.
Surveillance: Regular examinations, imaging, and appropriate tumor-marker testing may be recommended after treatment to monitor for recurrence.

Radiation therapy is not commonly used as the first choice because ovarian dysgerminoma is highly responsive to chemotherapy and radiation can affect fertility. Treatment is individualized according to the stage and clinical circumstances.

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What Are the Risk Factors for Ovarian Dysgerminoma?

Ovarian dysgerminoma is most commonly diagnosed in adolescents and young women. Most cases do not have an identifiable preventable risk factor.

Young age: Dysgerminoma occurs most often in teenage girls and young women.
Gonadal dysgenesis: Certain disorders of gonadal development are associated with an increased risk.
Swyer syndrome: People with Swyer syndrome have an increased risk of germ cell tumors, including dysgerminoma.
Genetic or chromosomal abnormalities: Certain abnormalities affecting gonadal development may increase susceptibility.

What Are the Complications of Ovarian Dysgerminoma?

Without appropriate treatment, ovarian dysgerminoma can grow and spread beyond the ovary. Possible complications depend on the size and stage of the tumor.

Increasing abdominal or pelvic pain and pressure
Compression of the bladder or bowel by a growing tumor
Spread of cancer to nearby pelvic or abdominal tissues
Spread to distant organs in advanced disease
Fertility-related concerns related to the disease or its treatment
Recurrence after initial treatment

What Is the Outlook for Ovarian Dysgerminoma?

Ovarian dysgerminoma generally has a favorable outlook compared with many other ovarian cancers because it is highly sensitive to chemotherapy and often occurs in younger patients. Outcomes depend mainly on the stage at diagnosis and response to treatment.

Many patients with early-stage disease can be treated successfully, and fertility-sparing treatment may be possible when appropriate. Regular follow-up after treatment is important to detect recurrence early.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is ovarian dysgerminoma?

Ovarian dysgerminoma is a type of germ cell tumor that usually occurs in the ovaries. It is a rare form of ovarian cancer.

2. Who is at risk for ovarian dysgerminoma?

Young women and adolescents are most commonly affected by ovarian dysgerminoma. It can also be associated with certain genetic conditions.

3. What are the symptoms of ovarian dysgerminoma?

Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, pelvic mass, irregular menstrual periods, and signs of hormone imbalance.

4. How is ovarian dysgerminoma diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scan, blood tests for tumor markers, and biopsy of the tumor.

5. What is the treatment for ovarian dysgerminoma?

Treatment often involves surgery to remove the tumor and may be followed by chemotherapy. The prognosis for ovarian dysgerminoma is generally good, especially if detected early.