Recurrent ovarian dysgerminoma: a case report of salvage treatment and a review of the literature

Abstract Background. Ovarian dysgerminoma is a common type of malignant ovarian germ cell tumor. In most cases, patients with ovarian dysgerminoma had a great prognosis even when in an advanced stage. Recurrence in ovarian dysgerminoma is rare, and salvage treatment strategies remain uncertain. Case. A 16-year-old girl underwent fertility-sparing surgery followed by platinum-based chemotherapy for stage IVB ovarian dysgerminoma. The patient experienced 5 recurrences and failure of salvage chemotherapy after the initial treatment. Ultimately, a second debulking surgery followed by chemotherapy resulted in long-term disease-free survival of over 45 months. Conclusion. Salvage surgery may improve the prognosis of patients in selected cases of recurrent ovarian dysgerminoma.