BACKGROUND: Yolk sac tumor is a rare neoplasm characterized by high malignancy given its premature metastasis, that is frequent in adolescence. CASE REPORT: A 21-year-old woman came to our observation for an ovarian cyst (13 cm in diameter). Following salpingo-oophorectomy, it was revealed as a yolk sac tumor by histological diagnosis. The patient exhibited a highly elevated level of alpha1-fetoprotein (AFP) (1156 UI/ml). She is now undergoing chemotherapy treatment. CONCLUSION: This is an interesting case of yolk sac tumor in a young girl, at an age typical for germ cell tumor. AFP represents a valid marker resulting in a useful diagnostic tool.
BACKGROUND: Yolk sac tumor is a rare neoplasm characterized by high malignancy given its premature metastasis, that is frequent in adolescence. CASE REPORT: A 21-year-old woman came to our observation for an ovarian cyst (13 cm in diameter). Following salpingo-oophorectomy, it was revealed as a yolk sac tumor by histological diagnosis. The patient exhibited a highly elevated level of alpha1-fetoprotein (AFP) (1156 UI/ml). She is now undergoing chemotherapy treatment. CONCLUSION: This is an interesting case of yolk sac tumor in a young girl, at an age typical for germ cell tumor. AFP represents a valid marker resulting in a useful diagnostic tool.