Germ Cell Tumors

Sacrococcygeal (lower back tumors)

Some germ cell tumors develop in the lumbosacral area (lower back) of infants and toddlers. In many cases these tumors are benign. Symptoms may include difficulty walking and problems with passing urine or bowel movements.

Diagnosis

Physicians use the following techniques to diagnose germ cell tumors that occur in the lower back:

• X-rays generate two-dimensional views of the lower back to help physicians locate abnormalities.
• Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to form images of the lower back that identify a tumor. A technician places a wandlike device (transducer) on the surface of the back and monitors the image on the screen.
• Computed tomography (CT) scans generate two-dimensional images of the back that may reveal whether cancer has invaded other tissues or organs. New technology available at Mayo Clinic enables three-dimensional reconstruction of the CT images.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create two- and three-dimensional views used to identify small abnormalities in the soft tissue of the back.
• Biopsies involve taking tissue from the tumor. To get the sample, physicians may perform a fine-needle aspiration. A needle is inserted into the tumor to remove cells for examination in a laboratory.

Treatment

Mayo Clinic's child-friendly environment, the latest advances in treatment, and highly skilled pediatric surgeons are all part of the program for treating germ cell tumors in children. Children who need inpatient care stay at Mayo Eugenio Litta Children's Hospital in Rochester.

Surgery

Pediatric surgeons remove the germ cell tumor from the lower back. When it is impossible to remove the entire tumor, physicians may use chemotherapy or radiation. At Mayo Clinic in Rochester, experienced pediatric oncologists and surgeons treat children and infants who have germ cell tumors in the lower back.