How do germ cell tumors affect boys differently than girls?

The symptoms of gonadal (located in the reproductive organs) extracranial germ cell tumors are different for boys and girls, owing to the different natures of their genitalia. If the tumor is located in the testicles, it usually presents as a painless lump. If in the ovaries, you may see a pain or lump in the abdomen; experience constipation, fever, an intense need to urinate, bloating, or unusual vaginal bleeding; or stop menstruating. The wide range of symptoms in girls may be interpreted even by doctors as other, often less serious, conditions. Watch for symptoms to persist and consistently worsen, which usually does not happen with other conditions.