1 Introduction
Malignant ovarian germ cell tumor (MOGCT), a rare form of ovarian
malignancy, predominantly affects adolescents and young women of
reproductive age [1, 2]. This group of ovarian cancers includes
various subtypes, including dysgerminoma, yolk sac tumors, embryonal
carcinoma, non-gestational choriocarcinoma, mixed germ cell tumors, and
immature teratomas, each with distinct characteristics [3-5].
Dysgerminoma, akin to male seminoma, represents the most prevalent
histological variant and immature teratoma and is associated with
relatively high bilaterality rates [4, 6, 7].
Platinum-based chemotherapy regimens have proven effective in extending
survival and preserving fertility [1, 8]. Given the chemosensitivity
of these tumor cells, fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) has become a
preferred treatment approach, particularly in patients desiring to
preserve their reproductive capability. FSS, which involves complete
staging and the preservation of at least the uterine corpus and a
portion of one ovary, has emerged as the primary treatment modality in
patients with early-stage MOGCT [8-10]. However, a couple of studies
in which the potential risks of FSS use have been extensively discussed
have stated that FSS use can be justifiable in advanced-stage MOGCT
patients [10, 11].
Menstrual and reproductive outcomes in patients who survived MOGCT are
reportedly similar to those of age-matched healthy women [1, 12].
Ovarian function is typically restored following three or four cycles of
platinum-based therapy [12]. However, fertility rates vary
significantly, including among patients with advanced MOGCT [2, 8,
11].
In this context, in this case study, an advanced MOGCT patient who
underwent complete staging and was treated with FSS coupled with
adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy and still achieved spontaneous
pregnancy is presented.