Germ cell tumours of the ovary. A clinical study of 15 cases

Our experience with germ cell tumours of the ovary is reviewed. Over the last 10 years, 15 cases, representing 6,4% of all our referred patients with malignant ovarian tumours, have been analysed. The type of tumour, histological appearances, stage, treatment and results of treatment are presented. The tumour most commonly seen was the dysgerminoma, comprising 60% of all cases (9 patients). Multimodal treatment generally consisted of surgery and radiotherapy for dysgerminoma with the addition of chemotherapy for the non-dysgerminomas. Survival depends on the stage and histological appearances of the tumour. Patients in whom the disease is at advanced stages have a poor prognosis, irrespective of histological features. A general review of this subject is also given.