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Dysgerminoma with Syncytiotrophoblastic Giant Cells Associated with a Concurrent Ectopic Pregnancy

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Indian Journal of Surgical Oncology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Dysgerminomas 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 concurrent 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 syncytiotrophoblast giant cells seen can lead to a diagnostic dilemma.

Clinical presentation

Here 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.

Summary

This 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 the pathologist. There are various factors which can act as prognosticators such as early suspicion of a tumor, radiological findings, surgery, histopathological examination, and oncology team.

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Data Availability

We declare if data is being shared, we shall provide the data.

Abbreviations

B- HCG-Beta:

Human chorionic gonadotrophin

AFP:

Alpha feto protein

IHC:

Immunohistochemistry

USG:

Ultrasound

CT:

Computed tomography

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital, AligarhMuslimUniversity, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India

    Durre Aden, Noora Saeed, Mahboob Hassan & Sadaf Haiyat

  2. Department of Pathology, HIMSR, Jamia Hamdard, Delhi, India

    Durre Aden

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  1. Durre Aden
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  2. Noora Saeed
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  3. Mahboob Hassan
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  4. Sadaf Haiyat
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Contributions

Dr. Durre was responsible for the literature search and drafting of the manuscript. Dr. Noora was involved in the drafting of the manuscript and diagnosis. Dr. Sadaf was involved in reviewing, editing the manuscript and interpreting of smears. Dr. Mahboob was involved in reviewing and overall approval of the article.

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Correspondence to Durre Aden.

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Aden, D., Saeed, N., Hassan, M. et al. Dysgerminoma with Syncytiotrophoblastic Giant Cells Associated with a Concurrent Ectopic Pregnancy. Indian J Surg Oncol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13193-024-01945-7

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