Giant Postpartum Ovarian Mixed Germ Cell Tumor Containing Mature Cystic Teratoma and Yolk Sac Tumor: A Case Report With Multimodality Imaging and Clinicopathological Correlation
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Ovarian mixed germ cell tumors containing mature cystic teratoma and yolk sac tumor (YST) can be difficult to characterize on imaging, particularly when the mass is very large and heterogeneous. A 20-year-old woman presented approximately six months after vaginal delivery with progressive abdominal distension, right lower quadrant pain, weight loss, and amenorrhea. CT demonstrated a giant complex abdominopelvic mass, while hepatic abnormalities were reported as suspicious for metastases. The initial radiological differential included immature ovarian teratoma and choriocarcinoma. Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was >60,500 µg/L, whereas beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) was 2 IU/L. Following right salpingo-oophorectomy, the specimen weighed 3,697 g and measured 25 × 20.6 × 13.1 cm. Histopathology demonstrated a mixed germ cell tumor composed of mature cystic teratoma and YST, with YST accounting for approximately 70% of the tumor volume. No immature teratomatous component was identified. The pathology report assigned a pT1a category to the primary tumor; the overall stage could not be established because the hepatic findings remained unresolved. Postoperative treatment and longitudinal follow-up data were unavailable. This case highlights the value of interpreting imaging alongside serum tumor markers and histopathology. Marked AFP elevation supported a YST component despite the initial imaging differential, while tissue examination established the mature nature of the teratomatous component. Progressive postpartum abdominal enlargement accompanied by pain, weight loss, or a palpable mass warrants investigation for underlying pathology.
Source: Cureus
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7214158570