Germ Cell Cancers
Although germ cell tumors rarely turn into cancer, when they do, they can cause ovarian cancer and travel throughout the body to form other types of cancers.
Germ cells are responsible for producing eggs in women and sperm in men. When the cells move to other parts of the body and form tumors, it is called extragonadal germ cell tumor. Once the cells leave the reproduction system, the tumors typically develop in the abdomen, outside the brain or between the lungs.
The growths, which form when cell production goes awry, can either be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Doctors categorize the tumors under 4 common sub-types: teratoma, dysgerminoma, endodermal sinus tumor and choriocarcinoma.
Symptoms usually appear near the organs the tumors affects and often appear in the cancers later stages of growth. See your doctor immediately if you notice changes in your menstrual cycle, have headaches, chest pain or shortness of breath.
Recently Answered
- Q Are there alternative treatments for extragonadal germ cell tumors?
-
The term alternative can be problematic when discussing treatments for extragonadal germ cell tumors. Many treatments labeled alternative have not been tested under the rigorous conditions of medical science, so doctors and other health professionals... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Is there a cure for extragonadal germ cell tumors?
-
Extragonadal germ cell tumors can be cured through surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these. Prognosis (chance of recovery) depends on a number of factors, including the type of the cancer, the progression (stage, or whether... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How do other illnesses affect extragonadal germ cell tumors?
-
Having Klinefelter syndrome, a genetic disorder causing large breasts, a rounded body, slow intellectual development, a largely hairless body, and underdeveloped testicles, can predispose someone to develop extragonadal germ cell tumors. Depending on the... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What are the symptoms of extragonadal germ cell tumors?
-
Depending on the type and location of your extragonadal germ cell tumor, various symptoms may occur. Because the most common bodily areas for tumors to grow are the brain, the area between the lungs, and the abdomen, you may experience symptoms such as... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How do medications treat extragonadal germ cell tumors?
-
The only medications prescribed to treat extragonadal germ cell tumors are chemotherapy drugs. These drugs travel your body, killing cancer cells that cross their paths. Unfortunately, since chemotherapy drugs disrupt cell growth (overactive growth is... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Are extragonadal germ cell tumors life threatening?
-
Extragonadal germ cell tumors can be fatal. About 80 percent of those who develop extragonadal germ cell tumors have the nonseminoma type of tumor, which has a poor prognosis (chance of recovery). About 38 percent of people with nonseminomas located in... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How are extragonadal germ cell tumors diagnosed?
-
Your doctor may order a wide array of tests to officially diagnose an extragonadal germ cell tumor. These tests may be grouped into various categories. In a physical exam, your doctor checks your body for unusual signs or symptoms of disease visible to... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What increases my risk for extragonadal germ cell tumors?
-
Malignant (cancerous) extragonadal germ cell tumors are found most often in males and those older than 20. Males with Klinefelter syndrome - a genetic disorder causing large breasts, a rounded body, slow intellectual development, a largely hairless body,... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Do extragonadal germ cell tumors run in families?
-
Extragonadal germ cell tumors do not appear to run in families. Known risk factors for extragonadal germ cell tumors include being male, being over 20 years old, and having Klinefelter syndrome. Having parents or relatives with Klinefelter syndrome does... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Can extragonadal germ cell tumors be prevented?
-
Because no one knows the exact cause of extragonadal germ cell tumors, it is difficult to determine how to prevent this disease. You have no control over risk factors, such as your sex, age, or having Klinefelter syndrome. Most doctors will recommend a... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
