Dysgerminoma with Syncytiotrophoblastic Giant Cells Associated with a Concurrent Ectopic Pregnancy

AbstractBackgroundDysgerminomas constitute around 1 –2% of all germ cell tumours. It is very very rare to have dysgerminoma with concurrent pregnancy with an incidence of 0.2–1 per 100,000 pregnancies. It is extremely difficult to conceive with no assisted reproductive interventions and carry it till completion with no complications in a concurre nt dysgerminoma. Dysgerminoma has a characteristic specific histomorphology and is easy to diagnose. However, occasionally, syncytiotrophoblastic differentiation can be seen in dysgerminoma although it is a rare histopathological finding. Also, the raised serum B-HCG levels due to the syncytiotropho blast giant cells seen can lead to a diagnostic dilemma.Clinical presentationHere we report a case of a 27-year-old 8-week pregnant female who came to the hospital with chief complaints of left-sided abdominal pain and a lump abdomen. Clinical and radiological examination revealed a left ovarian tumour of malignant aetiology with the presence of right ectopic pregnancy. A staging laparotomy with left salpingoophorectomy was performed and sent for histopathological examination. It was reported as dysgerminoma with syncytiotrophoblastic giant cells. The right fallopian tube showed products of conception. Finally, she was planned for adjuvant chemotherapy and serial B-HCG levels.SummaryThis case is reported not only just for its rare histopathological finding but also for the diagnostic dilemma it causes both to the surgeon as well as th...
Source: Indian Journal of Surgical Oncology - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research