Genetics of High-Grade Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma of the Ovary With Yolk Sac Differentiation: A Case Report

Yolk sac tumors (YST) are relatively rare ovarian neoplasms that typically occur in young women, whereas yolk sac differentiation in ovarian epithelial tumors represents an exceedingly rare malignancy of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. The latter is usually associated with Müllerian epithelial neoplasms and is somatically derived. Accurate identification of tumor lineage is essential for proper classification and treatment, especially in mixed tumors with overlapping morphological and immunohistochemical features and shared mutations. Most of the reported cases have lacked genetic testing. Here, we present a case of high-grade endometrioid adenocarcinoma with yolk sac tumor differentiation in a perimenopausal woman. The tumor demonstrated an unusual morphology and immunohistochemical profile, raising the possibility of either a common early precursor or divergent differentiation. Genomic analysis revealed pathogenic mutations in <i>CTNNB1</i>, <i>ARID1A</i>, and <i>PIK3CA</i>, supporting an endometrioid origin. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by rare ovarian tumors and emphasizes the role of molecular profiling in clarifying tumor phenotype. Pathologists should be aware of the potential association between epithelial tumors and yolk sac tumor differentiation, particularly in older patients, to avoid misdiagnosis and to ensure appropriate therapeutic strategies.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-12-06
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.98594
Primary Topic
Ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment
Type
article
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article

Genetics of High-Grade Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma of the Ovary With Yolk Sac Differentiation: A Case Report

Cureus
Ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment
article

Genetics of High-Grade Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma of the Ovary With Yolk Sac Differentiation: A Case Report

article en

Abstract

Yolk sac tumors (YST) are relatively rare ovarian neoplasms that typically occur in young women, whereas yolk sac differentiation in ovarian epithelial tumors represents an exceedingly rare malignancy of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. The latter is usually associated with Müllerian epithelial neoplasms and is somatically derived. Accurate identification of tumor lineage is essential for proper classification and treatment, especially in mixed tumors with overlapping morphological and immunohistochemical features and shared mutations. Most of the reported cases have lacked genetic testing. Here, we present a case of high-grade endometrioid adenocarcinoma with yolk sac tumor differentiation in a perimenopausal woman. The tumor demonstrated an unusual morphology and immunohistochemical profile, raising the possibility of either a common early precursor or divergent differentiation. Genomic analysis revealed pathogenic mutations in <i>CTNNB1</i>, <i>ARID1A</i>, and <i>PIK3CA</i>, supporting an endometrioid origin. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by rare ovarian tumors and emphasizes the role of molecular profiling in clarifying tumor phenotype. Pathologists should be aware of the potential association between epithelial tumors and yolk sac tumor differentiation, particularly in older patients, to avoid misdiagnosis and to ensure appropriate therapeutic strategies.

CureusVol. 17(12)
University of Central Florida (US), Florida College (US)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 33%
Ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment
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Genetics of High-Grade Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma of the Ovary With Yolk Sac Differentiation: A Case Report · Cureus (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS