Endodermal sinus tumor of the ovary and alpha fetoprotein: a case report

Yolk sac tumors of the ovary are associated with elevations in serum levels of alpha fetoprotein (AFP). Thus, an antigenic marker is provided for evaluating therapeutic results in selected patients. A patient with a pure endodermal sinus tumor of the ovary is presented who underwent serial determinations of AFP. The effectiveness and limitations of serial AFP levels as demonstrated by this case are discussed in addition to the surgical and chemotherapeutic management of patients with yolk sac tumor of the ovary.