Ovarian Yolk Sac Tumor in a Young Girl in a Resource-Limited Setting: A Rare Case Report From Somalia

Ovarian yolk sac tumors, accounting for less than 1% of all malignant ovarian germ cell tumors, primarily affect adolescents and young women. These tumors are typically unilateral, making fertility preservation a critical consideration. Despite their rarity, they generally respond well to chemotherapy, leading to a favorable prognosis. This report describes a 21-year-old woman presenting with abdominal pain and distension. Imaging revealed a substantial pelvic mass, with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels elevated to 2258 mg/mL. She underwent a left salpingo-oophorectomy, and histopathology confirmed the presence of an ovarian yolk sac tumor. Timely diagnosis and treatment play a crucial role in patient outcomes. This case underscores the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in a resource-constrained setting with limited access to chemotherapy necessitating transfer of most patients to abroad for oncology centers, making difficult for follow up and surveillance of patients, highlighting the pivotal role of surgical management and ongoing monitoring.