Diagnosis of Ovarian Yolk Sac Tumor on Intra-operative Cytology

A 23-year-old female patient presented with chief complaints ofpainful discomfort in right lower abdomen and weakness. She was subjected to CT-scan of abdomen which revealed neoplastic lesion in the right adnexa. Cytological features from ovarian cystic fluid sample received intra-operatively from operation theatre showed features of yolk sac tumor (YST) which was later confirmed by histopathology examination. YST is a rare neoplasm, which mainly affects gonads of children and adolescents. When exfoliative cytology samples are examined, YSTs are most often identified in pleural, peritoneal or pericardial fluids. However, intraoperative ovarian cystic fluid aspirates have been rarely used for prompt cytological diagnosis. Rapid intraoperative diagnosis of the nature of the ovarian tumour in young woman avoids unnecessary removal of the contralateral ovary and helps in preservation of fertility. Sample obtained after aspiration could also be used for flow-cytometry and cytogenetic studies.