Girl had rare ovarian cancer due to tumor, misdiagnosed as hormonal imbalance.
A 12-year-old girl recently had a 3-pound tumor removed along with her entire left ovary. Initially misdiagnosed with a pituitary gland disorder, the girl had been experiencing irregular periods and lactation. After an ultrasound revealed the mass in her lower abdomen, she was diagnosed with a rare juvenile form of ovarian cancer called juvenile-type granulosa cell tumor (JGCT).
JGCT is a type of tumor that grows from ovarian tissue that releases hormones estrogen and inhibin, and it can cause puberty to come early or stop once it’s started. The tumor was successfully removed, and the girl was discharged from the hospital after 4 days.
Researchers are now warning that medical professionals should consider screening more young girls with similar symptoms for ovarian tumors, even if the disease is rare. Early detection is key, as JGCT has a high 5-year survival rate of 90-95% if diagnosed early. Symptoms to look out for include irregular periods, hormonal imbalances, and abdominal pain.
In addition, medical professionals should be aware of the possibility of JGCT even if a girl does not have any signs of early puberty. The lack of a regular period combined with hormonal imbalances and abdominal pain can also signal that something is wrong.
It is important to be aware of the potential signs of ovarian tumors in young girls, as early diagnosis and treatment can have a major impact on their health and development. Understanding the symptoms and being vigilant in screening for JGCT can help ensure that children receive the treatment they need in a timely manner.
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