Hello - immature teratoma (germ cell tumour)

Hi,

I was diagnosed with a germ cell tumour. Had 3 cycles of BEP, one of EP. This was followed by tumour removal, a full hysterectomy and removal of both ovaries. 

I have two young children, a great husband & mother who supported me.

Am happy to share experiences or just chat!

Parents
  • Hello

    I also have been diagnosed with immature teratoma (right ovary).

    I had it removed in july last year but tought it was a mature teratoma, only found out it was the immature kind after the biopsy results almost a month later. So around october I started the journey of understanding what had happened and what still needed to happen, but because it is so rare I found it very hard to find a doctor that gave me the sense of security that they actually knew what to do. In november I had an MRI and it showed that I probably had 2 secondary tumors (one behind my uterus and another next to my liver).

    I started chemo in march of 2018 and had 3 cycles of BEP. I found treatment pretty rough. The first 2 weeks of every cycle were the hardest: nausea, sensitivity to smells, dangerously low blood pressure, bloating and gas, constipation or diarrea, overall discomfort. My hair fell after 2 weeks of the first cycle. Also had neuropathy and some dark nails which didn't bother me that much, but then last week some nails started getting loose, I think they're gonna fall :( . Had some calluses in my hands but they're gone now. And I have some dark marks in my skin as well.

    After chemo was finished I had a new MRI but the results weren't positive for the tumor near the liver. So now I'll have another surgery (in 4 days) to remove those and have a full histerectomy. After the biopsy results from this surgery will see if more chemo will be needed.

    Sorry for the long post, I made it as short as I could (and still left some details out haha).

    As you girls said, a good support system is great. For me it's friends and family <3. Still I missed talking to people that actually know what it is to go trough this, thank god I finally found you (would love to be added to the FB group if that's okay).

    How are you girls now? Are you all done with chemo and everything?

  • I currently have this, I had surgery for a suspected dermoid and have just has the call to say was an immature teratoma and that the oncologist and pathologist were discussing me at their next meeting.

     

    Am not sure what will happen as already had just the lump removed...trying not to Google too much as freaking out after being led to believe it was benign.

     

    Will they operate again and take the ovary it was near or just moniter me?! I'm still having hip,back and groin pain have told the doctor who rang me so she can add it to the notes. 

    Hopefully hear back next week, but has anyone else had similar and can advise me more? What stage were you and what was the next steps? 

     

    Xx

Reply
  • I currently have this, I had surgery for a suspected dermoid and have just has the call to say was an immature teratoma and that the oncologist and pathologist were discussing me at their next meeting.

     

    Am not sure what will happen as already had just the lump removed...trying not to Google too much as freaking out after being led to believe it was benign.

     

    Will they operate again and take the ovary it was near or just moniter me?! I'm still having hip,back and groin pain have told the doctor who rang me so she can add it to the notes. 

    Hopefully hear back next week, but has anyone else had similar and can advise me more? What stage were you and what was the next steps? 

     

    Xx

Children
  • Hi, I'm sorry to read about your diagnosis. I hope you are doing well?

    I hope you don't mind me asking but I wondered if you could tell me what if any symptoms you had before your diagnosis?ive been diagnosed with a 8x6x5 mature teratoma which is being removed laproscopically next Thursday. But I'm worried it could be malignant. I know most dermoid aren't but I've been very symptomatic for quite some time, fatigue, constant need to wee (I can't go far without needing to go), pain in the pelvic area, acid reflux and back pain.

    I know that I won't find out anything for certain until its removed and sent off for testing but I am just curious to hear the symptoms and journey to diagnosis from someone who has been diagnosed with a dermoid that turned out to be malignant

    Thank you x

  • Hey Manbar, I noticed you were hoping to hear back about Goldie2811's symptoms before they got their diagnosis.

    Unfortunately Goldie hasn't been on the forum since May 2021 so there's a chance you may not get a reply.

    I really hope that won't be the case but if Goldie doesn't respond, then do feel free to reach out to others on more recent discussions you find about this topic on the forum.

    You're also welcome to talk things through with our team of cancer nurses on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

    We're thinking of you Manbar and wishing you all the best with your laparoscopy next week.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator