Youlk sac tumors

ABSTRACT

Yolk sac tumor [YST] is a unique category of germ cell tumors [GCTs] involving the gonadal and extragonadal regions. Although YSTs are extremely rare, they are important because they commonly affect children, display an unusual natural history, aggressive behavior and require specific treatment. This study included 3 cases with YSTs. One of them was ovarian pure YST that was discovered among 7 cases of ovarian GCTs [14.3%]. The age of the patients ranged from 4 to 41 years [mean age 21 years], all of them were presenting with palpable abdominal masses [one recurrent ovarian, one pelvic retroperitoneal, and one right hypochondrial mass]. Appropriate laboratory [including tumor markers] and radiological studies were performed. All patients underwent adequate surgical resection and postoperative chemotherapy. Local recurrence was reported in one case and distant metastases in 2 cases. They survive postoperatively for a period ranging from 8 to 36 months. The aim of this study was to throw light on this rare malignancy