Extragonadal germ cell tumors

Description Extragonadal germ c...

Description

Extragonadal germ cell tumors are made up of cells that normally reside inside the ovaries or testes (gonads). However, during fetal development they sometimes end up outside the gonads where they can form tumors during life. These tumors are rare. When they do occur, they tend to develop in the lungs, low back, back of the abdomen, or the middle of the brain.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the location of the tumor. They may include fever, weight loss, cough, chest pain, nausea, and abdominal pain. If there is brain involvement, symptoms can include memory loss, fatigue, double vision, loss of coordination or difficulty walking.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A complete history and physical will be performed. Laboratory studies will frequently be ordered to exclude other causes of symptoms. An x-ray, CT scan or MRI may be performed. After the tumor's location has been found, a biopsy will be performed.

Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Troponin, Urinalysis (UA), Ultrasound, X-ray

Other Specific Tests: alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG), radionuclide bone scan, PET scan

Specialists:
General Surgery, Neurosurgery, Cancer Care (oncology), Radiation Oncology, Surgical Oncology

Treatment

Treatment varies depending on the type of tumor (these tumors are usually classified as seminomas and non-seminomas), the size and the location of the tumor. Seminomas are usually responsive to radiation therapy. Non-seminomas tend to be better treated with chemotherapy. Surgical removal is also frequently performed.