Dysgerminoma

Also known as: ovarian dysgerminoma, ovarian germ cell tumors

What are dysgerminomas?

Dysgerminomas are tumors that develop in the germ cells of the ovaries. The germ cells are the reproductive cells of the body, so in the case of women, they develop in the egg cells.

What causes dysgerminomas?

Like most cancers, the root cause of dysgerminomas is due to changes in a cell’s DNA. What specifically causes this change to occur isn’t clear.

What are the symptoms of dysgerminomas?

Common symptoms that can occur with dysgerminomas include abdominal pain and swelling, constipation or difficulty urinating.

How can dysgerminomas affect children?

Dysgerminomas most often develop in adolescent girls or young women. Most of the symptoms and treatment discussed here apply to that patient group.

What are dysgerminoma treatments?

Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are all potential treatments for desmoplastic small round cell tumors. In many cases, a combination of treatments is used to eradicate the cancer.

Reviewed by: Maggie Fader, MD

This page was last updated on: November 03, 2023 03:26 PM

Setting the Gold Standard: Advancing Care for Sarcoma and Solid Tumors

November 29, 2023 – Bone and joint cancers account for a fraction of cancer cases in the U.S., and their rarity and a paucity of treatment options underscore the need for experienced, multidisciplinary care and novel solutions. Nicklaus Children's Hospital's Sarcoma and Solid Tumor Program delivers both options for children with these malignancies.