Virilization in a Girl Caused by an Ovarian Yolk Sac Tumor: A Case Report

J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2019 Jun;32(3):330-333. doi: 10.1016/j.jpag.2019.01.001. Epub 2019 Jan 7.

Abstract

Background: Yolk sac tumors (YSTs) are rare malignancies that originate from germ cells and rarely present with endocrine symptoms. We report a case of a 13-year-old girl with a YST manifesting as virilization.

Case: A 13-year-old girl was diagnosed with a YST with endocrine symptoms because of Leydig cells in the stroma, which were identified using hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry.

Summary and conclusion: This case suggests that clinicians should consider the possibility of YST when encountering patients with symptoms of virilization. When a YST is found to have endocrine function, a functioning stroma could present. Immunohistochemistry is useful for identifying stromal cells and performing a differential diagnosis.

Keywords: Leydig cells; Virilization; Yolk sac tumor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Endodermal Sinus Tumor / complications
  • Endodermal Sinus Tumor / diagnosis*
  • Endodermal Sinus Tumor / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / complications
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology
  • Virilism / etiology*