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Germ Cell Ovarian Cancer

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What is Germ Cell Ovarian Cancer?

Germ cell ovarian cancer is a rare type of ovarian cancer. It starts in the cells that develop into eggs, called germ cells. This cancer makes up about 5% of all ovarian cancer cases and mostly affects younger women, typically those up to their early 30s.

Types of Germ Cell Ovarian Cancer

There are different types of germ cell ovarian cancer:

Mature Teratomas:

  • Common and usually not cancerous (benign).
  • Often called dermoid cysts.
  • Affect women from their teens to forties.
  • These cysts are usually removed through surgery.

Immature Teratomas:

  • These are cancerous (malignant) tumors.
  • Commonly affect teenage girls and women in their early 20s.
  • Called immature because the cancer cells are at an early stage of development.
  • Treated with surgery and chemotherapy.
  • Outcomes are usually very good.

Other Types of Cancerous Germ Cell Tumors:

Dysgerminomas:

  • Rare and commonly affect women aged 15-45 years old.
  • Treated with surgery and chemotherapy.

Mixed Germ Cell Tumors:

  • Cancerous tumors made from two or more types of germ cell tumors.
  • Treated with surgery and chemotherapy.

Ovarian Yolk Sac Tumors:

  • Also known as endodermal sinus tumors.
  • Usually occur in children and younger adults.
  • Treated with surgery and chemotherapy.

Treatment

Doctors treat germ cell ovarian cancer with surgery and chemotherapy. They often remove the affected ovary during surgery to stop the cancer from spreading. Chemotherapy helps to kill any remaining cancer cells.

Key Points

  • Germ cell ovarian cancer is rare, making up about 5% of all ovarian cancer cases.
  • This cancer mostly affects younger women, typically up to their early 30s.
  • There are different types of germ cell ovarian tumors, some benign and some malignant.
  • Common treatments include surgery and chemotherapy.
  • Early detection and treatment often lead to very good outcomes.