Primary orbital yolk sac tumour in a 14-year-old girl

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Ophthalmology
• Pathology

Background:

• Yolk sac tumors are common malignant germ cell tumors typically found in infants' testes or ovaries.
• Extragonadal yolk sac tumors can occur in various locations, with head and neck sites accounting for 5% of all germ cell tumors.
• Primary yolk sac tumors of the orbit are exceptionally rare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report an extremely rare case of a primary yolk sac tumor originating in the orbit.
• To describe the clinical presentation and extent of an orbital yolk sac tumor in a pediatric patient.
• To contribute to the understanding of extragonadal germ cell tumors in unusual locations.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing a 14-year-old female patient.
• Clinical and radiological evaluation of an orbital mass.
• Histopathological confirmation of yolk sac tumor.

Main Results:

• A primary yolk sac tumor was identified in the orbit of a 14-year-old girl.
• The tumor demonstrated invasion into the periorbital and intracranial spaces.
• This represents an extremely unusual site for a primary yolk sac tumor.

Conclusions:

• Orbital yolk sac tumors are exceedingly rare but must be considered in the differential diagnosis of orbital masses in children.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for extragonadal germ cell tumors, even in unusual locations.
• This case underscores the importance of comprehensive evaluation for rare tumor presentations.