treatment
Most girls and young women can now be completely cured of germ cell tumours. Your treatment will depend on the type of germ cell tumour and whether or not it has spread. Treatment usually involves a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Sometimes radiotherapy is also given.
surgery
The first treatment for germ cell tumours is usually surgery to take away the affected ovary and fallopian tube. A cut is made into the lower abdomen so that the surgeon can take out the ovary. The operation is called a laparotomy.
For most young people, it’s just the affected ovary and the fallopian tube that need to be removed. You’ll still be able to have children in the future with one ovary but it may be more difficult for you to fall pregnant. Sometimes, if the cancer has spread they may need to take away both ovaries, the fallopian tubes, and the womb. This is very tough as it means
you won’t be able to have children. You’ll be given lots of support to help you at this time.
Our section on fertility has more information and on ways of coping.
chemo
Chemo is sometimes needed after surgery to make sure any stray cancer cells are mopped up. It’s usually given every 3–4 weeks, for about 6 sessions or so. You might be given a type of chemo treatment (regimen) called BEP.
If the cancer is found very early, you might not need to have chemo.
radiotherapy
Radiotherapy treats cancer by using high-energy x-rays that destroy cancer cells. Some types of germ-cell tumour are more sensitive to radiotherapy.
