Germ cell tumors

Germ cell tumors are a type of tumor that begins in the cells that give rise to sperm or eggs. These tumors can occur almost anywhere in the body and can be either benign or malignant.

Types of Germ Cell Tumors

Germ cell tumors are classified into several types based on the type of cells the tumor resembles. These include:

• Teratomas: These are tumors that contain several different types of tissue, such as hair, muscle, or bone. They are most commonly found in the ovaries in women and the testes in men.
• Seminomas: These are tumors that occur in the testes in men. They are one of the most treatable types of testicular cancer.
• Nonseminomas: These are a group of tumors that also occur in the testes in men. They include choriocarcinoma, embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac tumor, and teratoma.
• Dysgerminomas: These are tumors that occur in the ovaries in women. They are similar to seminomas in men.
• Endodermal sinus tumors: These are a rare type of germ cell tumor that usually occurs in children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of germ cell tumors depend on where in the body the tumor is located. However, some common symptoms include:

• Lumps in the testes or ovaries
• Abdominal pain
• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Chest pain

Diagnosis

Germ cell tumors are diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs, and biopsy.

Treatment

The treatment for germ cell tumors depends on the type of tumor and its stage. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Prognosis

The prognosis for germ cell tumors varies widely depending on the type of tumor and its stage. However, many germ cell tumors, especially those that occur in the testes and ovaries, are highly treatable.

See Also

• Cancer
• Oncology
• Testicular cancer
• Ovarian cancer

Germ cell tumors Resources
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