| |
/
Treatment /
Ovarian germ cell tumor is a
disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the germ (egg)
cells of the ovary.
Germ cell
tumors begin in the reproductive cells (egg or sperm) of the body.
Ovarian germ cell tumors usually occur in teenage girls or young
women and most often affect just one ovary.
The
ovaries are a pair of organs in the female reproductive system. They
are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus (the
hollow, pear-shaped organ where a fetus grows). Each ovary is about
the size and shape of an almond. The ovaries produce eggs and female
hormones (chemicals that control the way certain cells or organs
function).
Ovarian
germ cell tumor is a general name that is used to describe several
different types of cancer. The most common ovarian germ cell tumor
is called dysgerminoma.
Possible signs of ovarian germ cell tumor
are swelling of the abdomen or vaginal bleeding after menopause.
Ovarian
germ cell tumors can be difficult to diagnose (find) early. Often
there are no symptoms in the early stages, but tumors may be found
during regular gynecologic examinations (checkups). A woman who has
swelling of the abdomen without weight gain in other places should
see a doctor. A woman who no longer has menstrual periods (who has
gone through menopause) should also see a doctor if she has bleeding
from the vagina.
Tests that examine the ovaries, pelvic
area, blood, and ovarian tissue are used to detect (find) and diagnose
ovarian germ cell tumor.
The
following tests and procedures may be used:
-
Pelvic
exam: An exam of the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes,
ovaries, and rectum. The doctor or nurse inserts one or two
lubricated, gloved fingers of one hand into the vagina and the other
hand is placed over the lower abdomen to feel the size, shape, and
position of the uterus and ovaries. A speculum is also inserted into
the vagina and the doctor or nurse looks at the vagina and cervix
for signs of disease. A Pap test or Pap smear of the cervix is
usually done. The doctor or nurse also inserts a lubricated, gloved
finger into the rectum to feel for lumps or abnormal areas.
-
Laparotomy: A surgical procedure in which an incision (cut) is made
in the wall of the abdomen to check the inside of the abdomen for
signs of disease. The size of the incision depends on the reason the
laparotomy is being done. Sometimes organs are removed or tissue
samples are taken for biopsy.
-
Lymphangiogram: A procedure used to x-ray the lymph system. A dye is
injected into the lymph vessels in the feet. The dye travels upward
through the lymph nodes and lymph vessels, and x-rays are taken to
see if there are any blockages. This test helps find out whether
cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
-
CT scan
(CAT scan): A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of
areas inside the body, taken from different angles. The pictures are
made by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. A dye may be injected
into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues show up more
clearly. This procedure is also called computed tomography,
computerized tomography, or computerized axial tomography.
-
Blood
tests: Tests to measure the levels of alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and
human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the blood. AFP and HCG are
substances that may be signs of ovarian germ cell tumor when found
at increased levels.
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance
of recovery and treatment options.
The
prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the
following:
-
The
type of cancer. -
The
size of the tumor. -
The
stage of cancer (whether it affects part of the ovary, involves
the whole ovary, or has spread to other places in the body). -
The
way the cancer cells look under a microscope. -
The
patient’s general health.
Ovarian germ cell tumors are generally curable if found and treated
early.
/
Treatment
/
|
|
|
