Germ Cell Tumor

Germ Cell Tumors Explained

Germ cells develop in the embryo and become reproductive cells in males and females. Germ cell tumors typically form inside the reproductive cells. They can be cancerous or non-cancerous. Germ cell tumors account for two to four percent of cancers in children and young adults under the age of 20.

Germ Cell Tumors Treatment Options

Diagnostic procedures for germ cell tumors require a medical history and physical examination by your doctor. Germ cell tumor diagnosis may also include:

• Biopsy
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Additional blood evaluations
• CT scan, MRI, or X-ray
• Bone scan
• Ultrasound

Your doctor and health care specialists will determine the best plan for treating germ cell tumors. Germ cell tumor treatment depends on your age and medical tolerance, as well as the cancer’s stage. Treatment for germ cell tumors may include surgery to remove the tumor and organs, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and supportive services.

The Different Types of Germ Cell Tumors

There are two types of malignant (cancerous) germ cell tumors:

• Nonseminomas are large tumors that tend to grow quickly and spread aggressively.
• Seminomas make up about 50 percent of germ cell tumors. They are slow growing and less likely to spread to other parts of the body.

As a fetus develops, germ cells develop and descend into the pelvis or scrotal sac, where they form ovarian or testicular cells. Most malignant germ cell tumors occur as testicular cancer or ovarian cancer. Though very rare, some germ cell tumors occur in the abdomen, chest, and brain.