A rare case of yolk cell carcinoma presenting as ovarian torsion

Abstract

A Yolk Sac Tumour is the second most common malignant germ cell tumor and counts for only 1% of the malignant ovarian masses. It is most common in patients between 18 to 25 years. In most cases there are no clinical symptoms. However, abdominal swelling may be present in case of rapid growth. The size of tumors varies from 7 cm to 40 cm, with a median of 15-16 cm. The tumor is rarely bilateral (12-19%).We report a case of 19 year old unmarried girl who came to our observation for an acute abdominal pain. Clinical examination evidenced a vague mass in the suprapubic region and a lower abdomen tenderness, the US imaging revealed a complex lesion of the right ovary (10 x 8 cm) and the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) resulted high (>1000 ng/mL). The treatment consisted of unilateral salpingoophrectomy followed by 4 cycles of BEP protocol (Bleomycin, Etoposide, Cisplatin) but unfortunately patient died within 6 months as disease recurred in left ovary.