A case of mixed germ cell tumor of the ovary with malignant cells in the pleural effusion

Abstract

A 13 year-old-female was admitted to the hospital because of left pleural effusion. An operation for mixed germ cell tumor (dysgerminoma and yolk sac tumor) of the ovary had been performed one year before. Cytological findings of the pleural effusion showed three types of tumor cells; 1) with a papillary pattern, 2) foamy cytoplasm and small nucleus and 3) a spindle shaped nucleus. A few intracytoplasmic hyaline globules were also observed and immunohistochemical AFP staining was positive for the tumor cells. These cytological findings suggested recurrence of germ cell tumor of the ovary.