Introduction to germ cell tumours
This tutorial costs £10.00
Meiosis in an oocyte (Wellcome Image Library).
Germ cell tumours are rare and account for 2–5% of all ovarian malignancies. They all originate from the oocyte (the 'germ[inating] cell') within the ovary, and are classified according to the type of cell produced.
The tumour develops following a parthenogenetic pregnancy and partial embryogenesis, which then develops abnormally into a neoplasm.
Learning objectives When you have completed this tutorial you will be able to: - explain the different types of germ cell tumours and their origin
- discuss the incidence of these tumours and investigations required for this particular type of ovarian tumour
- explain the appropriate treatment
- counsel a woman and her family regarding the long-term effects of treatment on future fertility and the potential risks of the treatment itself
- know the long-term prognosis of treatment for a germ cell tumour.
|