Mixed germ cell tumor of the ovary mimicking unruptured ectopic pregnancy presenting with unusually high serum alpha-fetoprotein level

Ozkaya O., SEZİK M. , Aydin A. R. , Kapucuoglu N., Kaya H.

GYNECOLOGICAL SURGERY, vol.2, no.4, pp.307-310, 2005 (Journal Indexed in ESCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 2 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2005
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s10397-005-0132-6
  • Title of Journal : GYNECOLOGICAL SURGERY
  • Page Numbers: pp.307-310

Abstract

Malignant germ cell tumors of the ovary constitute fewer than 5% of all ovarian cancers. Malignant mixed germ cell tumors (MMGCTs) may secrete tumor markers including alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and b-human chorionic gonadotropin (b-hCG) depending on the type of tumor cells. Because these tumors are almost always seen in the reproductive period, their differential diagnosis with beta-hCG secreting ectopic pregnancy is of importance. The patient with MMGCT may present with abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding and pelvic mass similar to an ectopic pregnancy. Here, we present a case of MMGCT, which was referred to our clinic with the admission diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. However, serum AFP level was exceedingly high (2,172 IU/ml), and transvaginal ultrasonography demonstrated an atypical solid mass 6 cm in diameter. As a result, a hormonally active germ cell tumor of the ovary needed to be considered in the differential diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy.