Is germ cell tumors aggressive?
They form in the testicles and ovaries. It’s often an aggressive cancer that spreads quickly to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body. They’re typically treated with surgery and chemotherapy.
Are germ cell tumors treatable?
Germ cell tumours generally respond very well to chemotherapy and most people are cured. Even cancers that have spread are still very treatable with chemotherapy.
Where do germ cell tumors spread?
Germ cell tumors can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. The most common sites for metastasis are the lungs, liver, lymph nodes, and central nervous system. Rarely, germ cell tumors can spread to the bone, bone marrow, and other organs.
What percentage of germ cell tumors are benign?
Benign and malignant presacral germ cell tumors are much more common in children than in adults. Tumors in children younger than 6 months old are benign in 98 percent of cases. Tumors in children older than 6 months are malignant in about 65 percent of cases.
Can germ cell tumor go away?
Germ cell tumors tend to respond to treatment and many can be cured, even when diagnosed at a late stage.
Do germ cell tumors grow fast?
There are two types of germ cell tumors that start in the gonads, or reproductive organs: seminomas, which are slower-growing, and nonseminomas, which are faster-growing tumors.
What percentage of germ cell tumors are malignant?
Malignant germ cell tumors of the mediastinum are uncommon, representing only 3 to 10% of tumors originating in the mediastinum. They are much less common than germinal tumors arising in the testes, and account for only 1 to 5% of all germ cell neoplasms.
What are the symptoms of germ cell tumors?
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Germ Cell Tumors?
- constipation or trouble holding pee if the tumor is in the pelvis.
- leg weakness if the tumor presses on the nerves at the bottom of the spine.
- a testicle of an unusual shape or size.
What are the causes of germ cell tumor?
What Causes Germ Cell Tumors?
- birth defects that involve the central nervous system, genitals, urinary tract, and spine.
- genetic conditions that cause missing or extra sex chromosomes.
What kind of cancer is a germ cell tumor?
Tumors may be cancerous or noncancerous. Most germ cell tumors that are cancerous occur as cancer of the testicles (testicular cancer) or cancer of the ovaries (ovarian cancer).
Can a germ cell tumor be removed from the chest?
A testicular or ovarian malignancy will be removed along with the involved normal testes or ovary. Abdominal lymph nodes may be biopsied. Tumors arising in the lower back, the chest, or elsewhere will also be removed surgically if possible – otherwise they will be biopsied. A central line will be placed to allow chemotherapy.
Where are extragonadal germ cell tumors located in the body?
Extragonadal germ cell tumors form in parts of the body other than the gonads (testicles or ovaries). This includes the pineal gland in the brain, the mediastinum (area between the lungs), and retroperitoneum (the back wall of the abdomen). Extragonadal germ cell tumors can be benign (noncancer) or malignant ( cancer ).
Can a germ cell tumor spread to other parts of the body?
Cancer may spread from where it began to other parts of the body. After an extragonadal germ cell tumor has been diagnosed, tests are done to find out if cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body. The extent or spread of cancer is usually described as stages.
