Download PDF here - Macmillan Cancer Support

Further informationErica LuceroMacmillan GynaeOncology Clinical NurseSpecialistCroydon HealthcareServices NHS Trust,Croydon UniversityHospital020 8401 3000 Ext3967 or Bleep 227erica.lucero@mayday.nhs.ukThe factsGerm cell tumours of theovary are a rare type ofovarian cancer. Fewer than1,500 women are diagnosedwith this type of cancer in theUK each year.SymptomsMany woman with early stageovarian cancer do not haveany symptoms. If symptomsare present, they can includeabdominal pain, a feeling offullness or abdominal swelling,Germ cell tumoursErica Lucero, Macmillan Gynae Oncology CNS, writes aboutthe discovery of a germ cell tumour during a pregnancy scanMary* was 22 weeks pregnantwith her first child when anultrasound scan detected anovarian mass. Her scan and tumourmarkers raised a high suspicion ofmalignancy or ovarian cancer.Ovarian cancer occurs in around1 in 18,000 pregnancies and thecombination of a germ cell tumourduring pregnancy is even rarer. Aswith many early stage ovarian cancers,Mary did not have any symptoms.Mary’s case was discussed at amultidisciplinary team meeting andMary subsequently chose to have herovary surgically removed at 26 weeks,rather than wait until after herpregnancy. The team ensured that theunborn baby was considered in alldiscussions of care.Before Mary had the procedure,she was counselled by the gynaecologyconsultant about possibleand sometimes an increasedneed to pass urine. Somewomen may have irregularvaginal bleeding.DiagnosisSeveral tests may be usedincluding blood tests, ultrasoundand CT scans, and laparoscopy.TreatmentTreatment will usually involve acombination of surgeryand chemotherapy.complications during and aftersurgery, and the possibility ofmiscarriage during surgery. I was alsoon hand to provide psychologicalsupport and to answer Mary’squestions. She was worried about herbaby and did not say or ask much,which is not unusual after receivingbad news. I gave her a pack withinformation about ovarian cancer,contact details and some informationand support websites. Before Maryleft, I emphasised that she could callme if she had any queries or neededany psychological support. Mary’spartner was included in the discussionsabout her diagnosis and treatment.After a few days, she rang with alist of questions related to the cancerand her pregnancy. At the end of ourconversation, she said she felt betterand reassured. I also referred her tothe Macmillan cancer support centre.Following the operation, she wastold that the ovary that was taken outhad an early stage of ovarian cancer.She was speechless and teary.At her follow-up appointment, shewas well and fully recovered from theoperation. She has had monthly MRIscans and blood tests following hertreatment. The rest of her pregnancywent well and she is expecting a babygirl in few weeks. Mary was gratefulthat a routine scan detected the cancerand that it was investigated promptly.Related informationMacmillan has informationabout germ cell tumours of the ovaryat macmillan.org.uk/gcto* Name has been changed.26 Mac Voice Autumn 2012