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Pediatric Ovarian Yolk Sac Tumor Mimicking Appendicitis: A Case Report From a Low-Resource Setting
William Nkenguye1,2, Alex Mremi2,3,4, Peter Minja5
1Department of Epidemiology and Applied Biostatistics Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College Moshi Tanzania.
Insights
Ovarian yolk sac tumors (OYSTs) are rare, aggressive ovarian cancers in young patients. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care are vital for improving outcomes, especially in resource-limited settings.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Gynecologic Oncology
Background:
- Ovarian yolk sac tumors (OYSTs), or endodermal sinus tumors, are rare, highly malignant germ cell tumors.
- They represent approximately 1% of all ovarian cancers and predominantly affect children and young adults.
- Rapid growth and early metastasis necessitate prompt diagnosis and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of OYST in a pediatric patient from a low-resource setting.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and management of OYSTs in young individuals.
- To emphasize the importance of considering OYSTs in the differential diagnosis of pediatric abdominal masses.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 6-year-old female presenting with symptoms mimicking acute appendicitis.
- Diagnostic workup included CT scan and intraoperative findings.
- Surgical excision via cystectomy followed by histological confirmation of OYST.
Main Results:
- Initial presentation mimicked acute appendicitis, confirmed by CT scan.
- Intraoperative findings revealed a large right ovarian mass.
- Histological confirmation of Ovarian Yolk Sac Tumor (OYST) post-cystectomy.
Conclusions:
- OYSTs should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric abdominal masses, even with appendicitis-like symptoms.
- A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for optimal management of OYSTs.
- Enhanced awareness and diagnostic strategies are essential for improving outcomes, particularly in resource-limited environments.
Abstract:
Ovarian yolk sac tumors (OYSTs), also known as endodermal sinus tumors, are rare and highly malignant germ cell tumors, accounting for approximately 1% of all ovarian cancers. They predominantly affect children and young adults, with a rapid growth rate and early metastasis, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial. This report presents the case of a 6-year-old female from a low-resource setting who initially presented with symptoms suggestive of acute appendicitis, including abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting. This was supported by a CT scan; however, intraoperative findings revealed a large right ovarian mass, which was surgically excised via cystectomy and histologically confirmed as an OYST. The patient recovered well postoperatively and was referred for oncological management. This case underscores the importance of considering OYSTs in the differential diagnosis of pediatric abdominal masses and highlights the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach for optimal patient outcomes. Enhanced awareness and improved diagnostic strategies are essential for better management of this rare tumor, particularly in resource-limited settings.
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