title: Ovarian dysgerminoma in an adolescent: a case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ovarian cancer is the second most frequent gynaecological cancer in Nigeria ranking next after carcinoma of the cervix. It has the highest case-fatality rate worldwide because of insidious onset, lack of effective screening methods and late presentation. This case of a sixteen-year old girl with a three-week history of abdominal pain which was later accompanied by abdominal swelling is a classic example of how dysgerminomas present.
  
  
  METHODS
  The presumptive diagnosis of an ovarian tumour was made after physical examination and this was later confirmed by ultrasound scan. Urgent laparotomy was carried out based on a suspicion of torsion of the pedicle of the cyst.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At laparotomy, torsion of the pedicle with an intact capsule and imminent gangrene were found. The histology report revealed a malignant germ cell neoplasm (Dysgerminoma) with focal areas of necrosis without infiltration of the attached omentum.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  She had conservative surgery (left oophorectomy) done. She, however, defaulted from further follow-up.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, P.M.B. 5017, Ibadan, Nigeria. debolar03@yahoo.co.uk
authors.forename: O A
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, P.M.B. 5017, Ibadan, Nigeria.
authors.forename: B C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Oranye
mesh_terms: D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D000293:Adolescent; D004407:Dysgerminoma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D010052:Ovariectomy