Yolk sac tumour

From IKE

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Yolk sac tumours are members of the germ cell tumour group of ovarian cancers. Almost all ovarian yolk sac tumours occur in women under the age of 30. Patients present with pain, which is often sudden onset, and a large pelvic mass. Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is elevated in virtually all cases and is the prototypic serum marker for ovarian tumours in young patients. At laparotomy, there is spread to the peritoneum or lymph nodes in 30-70% of patients.

The tumours are soft and friable with a smooth external surface and a cystic and perhaps solid variegated yellow or gray sectioned surface. Extensive hemorrhage and necrosis is usual.

Microscopically, there is a wide variety of patterns and several histologic subtypes. Typical features are Schiller-Duval bodies and eosinophilic hyaline globules. Prior to contemporary chemotherapy, these were highly lethal neoplasms, but the prognosis is much better now.