Seminoma in 46, XY Gonadal Dysgenesis: Rare Presentation and Review of the Literature

Swyer syndrome is a rare congenital condition that serves as a risk factor for developing germ cell tumors. The condition belongs to the group of 46, XY Disorders of Sexual Development (DSD) is characterized by complete gonadal dysgenesis and is mostly manifested as delayed puberty and primary amenorrhea during adolescence. Individuals with Swyer syndrome are known to be phenotypically female with normal internal and external female genitalia at birth. 46, XY gonadal dysgenesis involves a high risk of gonadoblastoma development with malignant potential such that the onset is greatest at or after the event of puberty. This report of a 12-year-old phenotypic female with 46, XY gonadal dysgenesis, who developed an advanced metastatic seminoma, aims to emphasize the rarity of the development of a seminoma in the context of 46, XY CGD.

The XY female and SWYER syndrome

SWYER syndrome or pure gonadal dysgenesis is a disease in which individuals with a female phenotype, with female external genital organs, have a 46 XY karyotype and streak gonads that ought to be removed given their high malignization potential. We present the case of a patient with Swyer syndrome, and compare them with other cases of patients with a 46 XY karyotype, phenotypically female, such as in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia from deficiency of the 17 α hydroxylase/17-20 Lyase enzyme and in the Congenital Androgenic Insensitivity Syndrome.

Incidental gonadal tumors at the time of gonadectomy in women with Swyer syndrome: a case series

BACKGROUND

Swyer syndrome (46XY complete gonadal dysgenesis) is an uncommonly encountered condition in our population. Gonadectomy is recommended upon diagnosis due to a significant risk of malignant transformation of the dysgenetic gonads, typically to dysgerminoma.

CASES

We present 3 cases of women who underwent gonadectomy following a diagnosis of Swyer syndrome. Two of these patients had dysgerminoma confirmed on histopathology. In particular we discuss the macroscopic appearance of the affected gonads and the further management of each case.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

Individuals with Swyer syndrome require gonadectomy upon diagnosis of their condition, as part of their multidisciplinary management. For treatment of early stage dysgerminoma, surgical resection of the involved gonad and fallopian tube is curative, again highlighting the need for early intervention.