Different Clinical Presentations of Malignant Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors based on Age, Parity and Histology

Setareh Akhavan; Jila Agah; Elham Navipour

doi:10.18502/jimc.v5i4.11330

Setareh Akhavan Department of Gynecology Oncology, Vali-Asr Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Jila Agah Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Oncology, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
Elham Navipour Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jimc.v5i4.11330

Keywords: Clinical presentation, Germ cells, Histology, Ovary, Parity

Abstract

Background: Ovarian tumors are mostly detected in advanced stages. Early diagnosis of malignant ovarian germ cell tumors is so vital to keep life and fertility of the patients. We aimed to find out different presentations of malignant ovarian germ cell tumors based on age, parity and histology to help early diagnosis of the tumors.

Methods: In this study, malignant ovarian germ cell tumors admitted in a referral center of gynecology oncology were studied 2001-2018. The symptoms and signs of the patients were collected and analyzed according to age, parity and specific histology.

Results: 128 cases of malignant germ cell tumors were detected. The primary symptoms included abdominal distension (45%), acute pain (40.95%), chronic pain (23.95%), menstrual irregularity (14.7%), sense of abdominal firmness and mass (7.72%), nausea (5.4%), fever (5.4%), lack of appetite (4.63%), virilization (3.1%), depletion of weight (3.1%), and 9.27% detected incidentally. Abdominal distension, and acute pain decreased after 24. Menstrual disorders and incidental detection in multiparas were significantly more than nulliparous (p<0.05). Abdominal distension was the prominent sign in dysgerminomas (50%). Almost 45% of immature, yolk sac, and mixed tumors referred with acute abdominal pain. The data showed that 85% of the patients had been suffering from some discomforts for days to months prior to the diagnosis.

Conclusion: The majority of cases are symptomatic for a long time before the first visit although aging and parity can lessen their severity. Late diagnosis can lead to acute abdomen in some histology types. Young women and health providers should be warned about concerned presentations of ovarian tumors.