Ovarian dysgerminoma in an adolescent: a case report.

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer is the second most frequent gynaecological cancer in Nigeria ranking next after carcinoma of the cervix. It has the highest case-fatality rate worldwide because of insidious onset, lack of effective screening methods and late presentation. This case of a sixteen-year old girl with a three-week history of abdominal pain which was later accompanied by abdominal swelling is a classic example of how dysgerminomas present.

METHODS

The presumptive diagnosis of an ovarian tumour was made after physical examination and this was later confirmed by ultrasound scan. Urgent laparotomy was carried out based on a suspicion of torsion of the pedicle of the cyst.

RESULTS

At laparotomy, torsion of the pedicle with an intact capsule and imminent gangrene were found. The histology report revealed a malignant germ cell neoplasm (Dysgerminoma) with focal areas of necrosis without infiltration of the attached omentum.

CONCLUSIONS

She had conservative surgery (left oophorectomy) done. She, however, defaulted from further follow-up.