Dysgerminoma in Turner's syndrome.

ABSTRACT

The importance of the Y-chromosome for the germ cell tumour development in gonadal dysgenesis has been emphasized many times. In contrast, only two cases of dysgerminoma or gonadoblastoma had been published so far in the XO-Turner's syndrome. With this report, another case of Turner's syndrome developing a dysgerminoma in a gonadal streak is presented. No Y-chromosome containing stemline could be detected in the patient nor in the tumour. A primary genetic etiology or a mechanism related to early secondary regression or dysgenesis of the gonad are discussed as causative factors in germ cell tumour development within gonadal streaks.