[Ovarian dysgerminoma: clinical signs, assessment, and therapeutic indications, with reference to 30 observations]

Thirty cases of ovarian seminomas in patients aged for the most part between 10 and 20 years were studied at the Gustave-Roussy Institute between 1957 and 1970. In 10 per cent of cases both ovaries were involved. They were revealed by menstrual disorders, acute cystic twisting, signs of abdomino-pelvic compression, or a change in the general state of health. Lymphograms were made for the 25 most recent cases. They showed pathological signs in 35 per cent of cases. The role of the lymphogram is of prime importance in the suveillance of nonirradiated patients, making it possible for them to have remedial treatment. Surgery ensures excision of the tumour and indicates the degree of abdominal extension. During a second operation, it is possible to transpose a healthy ovary to avoid castration. The methods of ganglion irradiation, which should be systematic, are discussed in relation to the results of the operation and of the lymphogram. In 80 per cent of cases, the patients were alive after two years and slightly more than half of them had maintained ovarian function.