Endodermal sinus tumor in pregnancy: report of a case and review of the literature

The endodermal sinus tumor is a rare germ cell tumor characterized by extremely rapid growth and grave prognosis. The case of a 17-year-old black primigravida with a 19-week intrauterine gestation and concurrent endodermal sinus tumor of the ovary is presented. This case is the eighth reported case of this tumor during pregnancy. alpha-Fetoprotein and other oncofetal antigens are postulated as agents of rapid growth of this tumor. It is suggested that immunotherapy with antibodies against alpha-fetoprotein and other oncofetal antigens might change the unfavorable outcome of this tumor.