[Pure dysgerminoma of the ovary. 12 case reports]

Data from the files of 12 patients with pur ovarian dysgerminoma managed between January 1970 and december 1990 were evaluated. Pur ovarian dysgerminoma accounts for 2% of all ovarian malignancies and 28% of malignant germ cell tumors. A palpable pelvic mass was detected in three-fourth of patients. Echography objective ovarian tumor in all cases. Diagnosis was histological. Primary treatment was surgery followed by radiotherapy in 8 cases and chemotherapy in 2 cases. 2 patients developed local recurrences were irradiated and 1 patient developed distant metastases was given chemotherapy in association to radiotherapy. The 5 years survival rate was 91.7%.

Treatment of ovarian dysgerminoma remains controversial. However, patients with stage la who desire further childbearing can be safely treated with unilateral adnexectomy. For all other patients, radical surgery followed by radiation therapy or chemotherapy for the advanced stages and recurrents dysgerminoma is the treatment of choice. Prospective randomized clinical trials are needed for a well codified therapeutic strategy.