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 How do medications treat childhood extracranial germ cell tumors?
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The only medications prescribed to treat childhood extracranial 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... Full Answer
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- Q Do childhood extracranial germ cell tumors run in families?
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Childhood extracranial germ cell tumors themselves do not appear to run in families. Certain inherited diseases, however, such as Klinefelter's syndrome and Swyer's syndrome, make it more likely that you will develop such tumors. This inheritance does... Full Answer
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- Q How do I manage my germ cell tumors on a daily basis?
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To improve your chances of recovery, follow your treatment schedule for your extracranial germ cell tumor. If you have been prescribed chemotherapy drugs, make sure that you take them in the proper dosage and at the proper times. Visit your doctor... Full Answer
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- Q How do I prepare for an appointment about a germ cell tumor?
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Before you meet with your doctor about possible symptoms of a childhood extracranial germ cell tumor, it helps to write down all symptoms that you have been experiencing, when they started, and how they have changed or worsened. Also write down questions... Full Answer
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- Q What do the terms gonadal and extragonadal mean?
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"Gonadal" means "located in a gonad," which is a reproductive organ in males (testicle) or females (ovary). "Extra" attached to the front of any word means "outside of," so "extragonadal" means "outside of the testicles or ovaries." Gonadal extracranial... Full Answer
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- Q What is the rate of incidence for extragonadal germ cell tumors?
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For men 15 to 35 years old, malignant (cancerous) germ cell tumors are the most common type of cancer. The majority (75-95 percent), however, of germ cell tumors for this age group are located in the gonads, or reproductive organs, not outside the... Full Answer
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- Q Should I tell my child's school about an extracranial germ cell tumor?
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Because extracranial germ cell tumors are not contagious, school officials do not need to be alerted to a potential health threat at school. If symptoms or side effects of treatment (e.g., chemotherapy) are highly visible or disruptive at school,... Full Answer
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- Q Are childhood extracranial germ cell tumors a common type of cancer?
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About 16% of all teenagers who get any type of cancer between ages 15 and 19 will have extracranial germ cell tumors. This percentage drops to 7% if you consider all children under 20 and to 3.5% if you consider only children under 15. Rate of incidence... Full Answer
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- Q Is anything wrong if I have a lump on my testicles, abdomen, or tailbone?
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An unusual lump on your testicles, abdomen, or tailbone may be a sign of extracranial germ cell tumors. In girls (usually 15 years or older), no lump may present itself, but you may feel a range of other symptoms, including abdominal pain, constipation,... Full Answer
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- Q Are childhood extracranial germ cell tumors life-threatening?
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Childhood extracranial germ cell tumors can be fatal. For those who contract germ cell tumors, however, the prognosis (chance of recovery) is generally good (87%). Waiting too long for treatment can reduce your chances of recovery. Full Answer
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