Ovarian Germ Cell Cancer: What It Is and How It Is Treated

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Sagar Kotkar , Gynecologists

Causes
Find a Doctor
Diagnosis
Treatment
FAQs
Book an Appointment

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

Ovarian germ cell cancer is a rare type of ovarian cancer that begins in the egg-producing cells of the ovary. Unlike epithelial ovarian cancer, which is more common in older women, germ cell cancer mainly affects adolescents and young women. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important because many ovarian germ cell cancers respond well to treatment.

What Are the Types of Ovarian Germ Cell Cancer?

Ovarian germ cell cancer includes several types. Each type has different characteristics and may require a different treatment approach.

Dysgerminoma: The most common type of ovarian germ cell cancer and often highly treatable, particularly when diagnosed early.
Endodermal sinus tumour (yolk sac tumour): A rare and fast-growing tumour that commonly affects children and young women.
Immature teratoma: A tumour containing immature tissues and usually occurring in younger women.
Embryonal carcinoma: A rare, aggressive tumour that can grow quickly and may produce certain tumour markers.
Choriocarcinoma: A very rare malignant germ cell tumour that may produce high levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
Mixed germ cell tumours: Tumours containing more than one type of germ cell cancer.

What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Germ Cell Cancer?

Ovarian germ cell cancer may cause symptoms as the tumour grows. Some symptoms can resemble common digestive or menstrual problems, so persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor.

Abdominal bloating or swelling
Pelvic pain or pressure
Feeling full quickly when eating
Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhoea
Unexplained weight loss or gain
Fatigue or weakness
Back pain
Menstrual irregularities or abnormal bleeding

What Are the Causes of Ovarian Germ Cell Cancer?

The exact cause of ovarian germ cell cancer is not fully understood. It develops when germ cells in the ovary undergo abnormal changes that cause uncontrolled growth and tumour formation.

Abnormal germ cell development: Changes during the development of ovarian germ cells may contribute to tumour formation.
Genetic changes: Acquired changes in the genetic material of germ cells can cause abnormal cell growth.
Gonadal development abnormalities: Certain conditions affecting the development of the ovaries or gonads may be associated with an increased risk of germ cell tumours.

When to See a Doctor for Ovarian Germ Cell Cancer?

See a doctor if you have persistent abdominal swelling, pelvic pain, bloating, menstrual changes, or other unexplained symptoms, especially if they are becoming worse. Early evaluation can help identify an ovarian mass and determine whether further testing is needed.

Persistent bloating, pelvic pain, or abdominal swelling
Feeling full quickly or ongoing changes in bowel habits
Unexplained weight loss or persistent fatigue
Menstrual irregularities or abnormal bleeding
A pelvic or abdominal mass that has been detected during an examination

Get medical help immediately if:

Severe or sudden abdominal or pelvic pain
Persistent vomiting or inability to eat or drink
Rapid abdominal swelling
Sudden worsening of symptoms or severe weakness

A gynecologist or gynecologic oncologist usually evaluates and treats ovarian germ cell cancer. Because these tumours commonly affect younger patients, a pediatric or adolescent specialist may also be involved when appropriate. A medical oncologist may provide chemotherapy, while a fertility specialist can help address fertility preservation before treatment when needed.

Find Gynecologists for Ovarian Germ Cell Cancer Treatment Near You

How Is Ovarian Germ Cell Cancer Diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, imaging, blood tests, and pathological evaluation. These tests help determine the type and stage of the tumour and guide treatment.

Pelvic examination: Helps identify an abnormal ovarian or pelvic mass.
Ultrasound: Helps assess the size, location, and appearance of an ovarian tumour.
CT or MRI scans: Provide detailed images to determine the extent of the tumour and check for possible spread.
Tumour marker tests: Blood tests may measure markers such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), depending on the suspected tumour type.
Biopsy or surgical pathology: Examination of tumour tissue under a microscope confirms the diagnosis and identifies the specific germ cell tumour type.
Surgical staging: Surgery may be used to assess the tumour and determine whether cancer has spread to other areas.

What Are the Treatment Options for Ovarian Germ Cell Cancer?

Treatment depends on the type and stage of ovarian germ cell cancer, the patient's age and overall health, and whether fertility preservation is important. Treatment commonly involves surgery and chemotherapy, with the exact approach tailored to the individual.

Surgery: Surgery is commonly used to remove the tumour and determine its stage. In many young patients, fertility-sparing surgery that preserves the unaffected ovary and uterus may be possible when the disease is limited to one ovary.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be given after surgery or for advanced disease to destroy remaining cancer cells. Regimens may include combinations such as bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP), depending on the tumour type and clinical situation.
Radiation therapy: Radiation is used less often because ovarian germ cell cancers are generally treated effectively with surgery and chemotherapy. It may be considered in selected situations, depending on the tumour type and treatment response.
Fertility preservation: Because many patients are young, fertility preservation should be discussed before treatment when appropriate. Options may include fertility-sparing surgery and, in selected patients, egg or embryo freezing.
Follow-up and surveillance: Regular examinations, imaging, and tumour marker tests may be required after treatment to monitor for recurrence.

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

Consult Ovarian Germ Cell Cancer Doctors Today

What Are the Risk Factors for Ovarian Germ Cell Cancer?

Ovarian germ cell cancer is uncommon, and there are few well-established risk factors. It most often occurs in adolescents and young women. Certain conditions involving abnormal gonadal development may increase the risk of developing a germ cell tumour.

Young age: Germ cell tumours are most commonly diagnosed during adolescence and early adulthood.
Gonadal dysgenesis: Certain disorders affecting normal development of the ovaries or gonads may be associated with germ cell tumours.
Swyer syndrome: This rare condition involving abnormal sex development is associated with an increased risk of gonadoblastoma and related germ cell tumours.
Family or genetic factors: Certain inherited genetic conditions may contribute to susceptibility, although most ovarian germ cell cancers are not clearly linked to an inherited family history.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I recognize the signs of ovarian germ cell cancer?

Watch for abdominal swelling, pain, bloating, or changes in bowel habits. Seek medical evaluation if symptoms persist.

2. What precautions should be taken for ovarian germ cell cancer?

Regular check-ups and screenings, knowing family history, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding smoking can help lower the risk of ovarian cancer.

3. What serious complications could arise from ovarian germ cell cancer?

Serious complications of ovarian germ cell cancer can include metastasis to other organs, infertility, and the need for extensive surgery or long-term chemotherapy, which may lead to additional side effects.