Question

Difficulty: MediumGynecologic Oncology

Match each patient's clinical presentation and biomarker profile with the most likely ovarian neoplasm diagnosis.

  • A 1717-year-old female presents with a rapidly growing pelvic mass. Laboratory evaluation reveals a markedly elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and normal β\beta-hCG.Endodermal sinus (yolk sac) tumor
  • A 2222-year-old female presents with pelvic pain and a solid adnexal mass. Labs show an elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and normal AFP.Dysgerminoma
  • A 6565-year-old female presents with postmenopausal bleeding. Endometrial biopsy shows simple hyperplasia. Pelvic ultrasound reveals a solid unilateral ovarian mass.Granulosa cell tumor
  • A 6262-year-old female presents with progressive abdominal distension and early satiety. Imaging shows a complex adnexal mass with ascites. Serum CA-125 is significantly elevated.Serous cystadenocarcinoma

Answer

The correct matches align the age demographic, clinical signs of hormone production, and specific tumor markers (AFP, LDH, CA-125) with their respective ovarian neoplasms.
Each clinical presentation strongly correlates with a specific gynecologic neoplasm's classic demographic, tumor marker profile, and associated clinical findings. Germ cell tumors present in younger patients with specific markers (AFP, LDH), sex cord-stromal tumors present with hormonal manifestations, and epithelial tumors present with advanced-stage abdominal symptoms in older patients.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the presentation of the 1717-year-old with elevated AFP.
The elevation of AFP strongly indicates an endodermal sinus (yolk sac) tumor.
Yolk sac tumors are malignant germ cell tumors that characteristically secrete alpha-fetoprotein.
2
Evaluate the 2222-year-old with a solid mass and elevated LDH.
Elevated lactate dehydrogenase points to a dysgerminoma.
Dysgerminomas are the most common malignant germ cell tumors and typically produce LDH rather than AFP.
3
Assess the 6565-year-old with postmenopausal bleeding and endometrial hyperplasia.
The concurrent endometrial hyperplasia suggests an estrogen-secreting granulosa cell tumor.
Granulosa cell tumors are sex cord-stromal tumors that produce excessive estrogen, leading to endometrial proliferation.
4
Examine the presentation of the 6262-year-old with ascites and elevated CA-125.
These findings are classic for serous cystadenocarcinoma.
Malignant epithelial ovarian tumors, particularly serous carcinomas, typically occur in older women and present with elevated CA-125 and ascites.

Key Concept

Clinical and biochemical profiling of ovarian neoplasms
Rate this question