Malignant germ cell tumor

A gonadal or extragonadal malignant neoplasm that arises from germ cells.

Mixed germ cell tumour - very high mag

Examples

Representative examples include embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac tumor, and seminoma.

Other names

Pediatric Malignant Germ Cell Tumor; Adult Malignant Germ Cell Tumor

Pathophysiology

Malignant Germ Cell Tumors (GCT) are malignant tumors that are formed by immature cells that begin in the reproductive cells of the testes or ovaries. These germ cells travel into the pelvis as ovarian cells or into the scrotal sac as testicular cells. These cells metastasize to other parts of the body and most commonly spread to the lungs, liver, lymph nodes, and central nervous system.

Mixed Germ Cell Tumor of Testis

Adult germ cell tumors

Adult germ cell tumors are usually in the testes or ovaries. There are germ cell tumors that grow outside of the gonads (very rare). These cells may grow in any location but generally settle in the brain (brain germ cell tumors), chest (chest germ cell tumors), or abdomen (abdominal germ cell tumors).

Pediatric germ cell tumors

Germ cell tumors in children usually form in the gonads, but can migrate to other areas. The exact cause of malignant GCT is unknown.

Yolk sac tumor schiller duval body

Clinical features

Physical findings: Physical examination of malignant GCT depend on the size and location of the tumor. Symptoms of malignant GCTs depend on the size and location of the tumor. The symptoms vary based on the location of the germ cell tumor

Mid chest germ cell tumors(GCT) may cause:

• Chest pain;
• Breathing problems;
• Cough;
• Weight loss;
• Nausea; and
• Fevers.

Lower back GCTs may present as a mass in the lower abdomen or buttocks.

Yolk sac tumor sinusoid epithelia

Back of the abdomen GCTs may cause back pain or kidney problems and can sometimes be felt during a physical examination.

Embryonal + Seminoma + Yolk Sac

GCTs that occur in the brain interfere with the flow of fluid around the brain and spinal cord with symptoms of:

• Headaches;
• Nausea;
• Vomiting;
• Memory loss;
• Fatigue;
• Gait disturbances;
• Uncontrolled eye movements; and
• Double vision.

Diagnosis

Diagnostic testing involves biopsy and imaging studies

Progression

The prognosis for malignant germ cell tumors with distant or recurrent metastasis is poor.

Congenital abnormalities affecting the central nervous system including spine, genitals, and urinary tract increase the risk for developing pediatric germ cell tumor malignancy, although these tumors are still extremely rare in children.

Adult GCT generally occurs between 30- 40 years of age.

Treatment

Treatment for malignant GCT depends on the type of tumor, the stage at diagnosis, and the age of the affected person.

Surgery

The primary treatment of most GCTs involves surgical removal of the tumor.

Chemotherapy and radiation

Tumors with distant metastasis or recurrent following debulking surgery are treated with chemotherapy or radiation.

ICD codes

• ICD-9: 183.00; 186.00
• ICD-10: C56, C62

Malignant germ cell tumor Resources
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