Giant Postpartum Ovarian Mixed Germ Cell Tumor Containing Mature Cystic Teratoma and Yolk Sac Tumor: A Case Report With Multimodality Imaging and Clinicopathological Correlation.
5 affiliations
- 1Department of Radiology, Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital, Kimberley, ZAF.
- 2Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Frere Tertiary Hospital, East London, ZAF.
- 3Department of Emergency Medicine, Leratong Hospital, Krugersdorp, ZAF.
- 4Department of Hematology, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, ZAF.
- 5Department of Family Medicine, Johannesburg Health District, Johannesburg, ZAF.
Abstract
Ovarian mixed germ cell tumors containing mature cystic teratoma and yolk sac tumor (YST) can be difficult to characterize on imaging, particularly when the mass is very large and heterogeneous. A 20-year-old woman presented approximately six months after vaginal delivery with progressive abdominal distension, right lower quadrant pain, weight loss, and amenorrhea. CT demonstrated a giant complex abdominopelvic mass, while hepatic abnormalities were reported as suspicious for metastases. The initial radiological differential included immature ovarian teratoma and choriocarcinoma. Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was >60,500 µg/L, whereas beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) was 2 IU/L. Following right salpingo-oophorectomy, the specimen weighed 3,697 g and measured 25 × 20.6 × 13.1 cm. Histopathology demonstrated a mixed germ cell tumor composed of mature cystic teratoma and YST, with YST accounting for approximately 70% of the tumor volume. No immature teratomatous component was identified. The pathology report assigned a pT1a category to the primary tumor; the overall stage could not be established because the hepatic findings remained unresolved. Postoperative treatment and longitudinal follow-up data were unavailable. This case highlights the value of interpreting imaging alongside serum tumor markers and histopathology. Marked AFP elevation supported a YST component despite the initial imaging differential, while tissue examination established the mature nature of the teratomatous component. Progressive postpartum abdominal enlargement accompanied by pain, weight loss, or a palpable mass warrants investigation for underlying pathology.
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BibTeX
@article{molatedi2026giant,
title = {{Giant Postpartum Ovarian Mixed Germ Cell Tumor Containing Mature Cystic Teratoma and Yolk Sac Tumor: A Case Report With Multimodality Imaging and Clinicopathological Correlation.}},
author = {Kabelo Molatedi and Mikail Amod and Nhlanhla Mphuthi and Glad Masingi and Godfrey Letlalo},
journal = {Cureus},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.7759/cureus.116839},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42927371},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Giant Postpartum Ovarian Mixed Germ Cell Tumor Containing Mature Cystic Teratoma and Yolk Sac Tumor: A Case Report With Multimodality Imaging and Clinicopathological Correlation.
AU - Kabelo Molatedi
AU - Mikail Amod
AU - Nhlanhla Mphuthi
AU - Glad Masingi
AU - Godfrey Letlalo
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/24
JO - Cureus
DO - 10.7759/cureus.116839
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42927371
AB - Ovarian mixed germ cell tumors containing mature cystic teratoma and yolk sac tumor (YST) can be difficult to characterize on imaging, particularly when the mass is very large and heterogeneous. A 20-year-old woman presented approximately six months after vaginal delivery with progressive abdominal distension, right lower quadrant pain, weight loss, and amenorrhea. CT demonstrated a giant complex abdominopelvic mass, while hepatic abnormalities were reported as suspicious for metastases. The initial radiological differential included immature ovarian teratoma and choriocarcinoma. Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was >60,500 µg/L, whereas beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) was 2 IU/L. Following right salpingo-oophorectomy, the specimen weighed 3,697 g and measured 25 × 20.6 × 13.1 cm. Histopathology demonstrated a mixed germ cell tumor composed of mature cystic teratoma and YST, with YST accounting for approximately 70% of the tumor volume. No immature teratomatous component was identified. The pathology report assigned a pT1a category to the primary tumor; the overall stage could not be established because the hepatic findings remained unresolved. Postoperative treatment and longitudinal follow-up data were unavailable. This case highlights the value of interpreting imaging alongside serum tumor markers and histopathology. Marked AFP elevation supported a YST component despite the initial imaging differential, while tissue examination established the mature nature of the teratomatous component. Progressive postpartum abdominal enlargement accompanied by pain, weight loss, or a palpable mass warrants investigation for underlying pathology.
SN - 2168-8184
ER -