Recent Advances in the Pathology and Classification of Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors

Abstract

In recent years, our knowledge of ovarian germ cell tumors has increased, and their classification has evolved. The introduction of cisplatin-based chemotherapy and the discovery of tumor markers, including alpha-fetoprotein and human chorionic gonadotropin, have dramatically changed the clinical outlook for most of these patients. In this review, recent advances in the classification and pathology of ovarian germ cell tumors are discussed. Where appropriate, comparisons are made with testicular germ cell tumors. The last section of the article discusses the pathogenesis of germ cell tumors. This review will emphasize the articles written in the last 10 years and those that have significantly advanced our knowledge of germ cell tumors in past decades.

Germ Cell Origin of Testicular Carcinoid Tumors

“…Carcinoid tumors are f15 times more common in the ovary than in the testicle. Ovarian carcinoid tumors are most often associated with mature cystic teratomas (dermoid cysts), which constitute the most common type of ovarian germ cell tumor up to the age of 30 years (31,32). Cytogenetic studies of benign ovarian teratomas reveal that these tumors typically do not harbor chromosome12p alterations (33), but that malignant ovarian germ cell tumors frequently do.…”

Ovarian Steroid Cell Tumor Associated to Endometrial Hyperplasia and Presenting as Postmenopausal Vaginal Bleeding

“…Tumor cells of stromal tumors, such as granulose cells or theca cells, may produce estrogens, androgens and related hormones [5,6] in response to a disturbing environment as the presence of cysts, other tumors or proinflammatory conditions. Damage to the ovarian stroma during normal cycles can also contribute to activate the non-neoplastic counterpart of these hormone-producing cells [5].…”

Struma Ovarii associated with Pseudo-Meigs Syndrome and elevated serum Ca 125: Case report and literature review

“…4,5 it was defined as a teratoma that contained more than 50% of thyroid tissue 4 or a thyroid-related malignant neoplasm. 6 Thyroid tissue is functionally and structurally similar to normal cervical thyroid tissue. 7 The presence of benign changes such as goiter are not of greater clinical importance, except in the cases of patients with symptoms of hyperthyroidism.…”