These tumors arise from the primitive yolk sac. It is observed mostly between 15 and 20 years of age. It is the second most common (20%) malignant germ cell tumor of the ovary. Endodermal sinus tumors are unilateral and are usually solid, more than 10 cm in diameter.
CHARACTERISTIC HISTOLOGICAL FEATURE: - Is the presence of cystic spaces lined by flattened epithelium. Within this space a tuft of vascular tissue is often seen. This is called Schiller-Duval body. Eosinophilic, hyaline bodies containing alpha-fetoprotein and other proteins are also constant microscopic features.
It is highly malignant and spreads to the adjacent structures rapidly. It is usually solid and cut section shows gelatinous or hemorrhagic areas. It is composed of yolk sac endoderm and extra-embryonic mesoblasts. Association with dysgerminoma should be kept in mind.
The medicines that can be thought of use are: -