Germ Cell Tumors

Types

Gonadal Germ Cell Tumors

Testicular cancer is the most common form of germ cell tumor. It is typically found in adults, but occasionally develops in children. When detected early, testicular cancer is highly curable. This disease responds well to surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy even when it has spread to other parts of the body. It is the most common form of cancer in males between ages 15 and 35.

Ovarian cancer is another form of germ cell cancer. Mayo Clinic treats more than 100 ovarian cancer patients each year, including some who have ovarian germ cell tumors. Highly trained Mayo Clinic specialists provide high-quality imaging, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Other gonadal tumor types include:

• Seminomas (a tumor of this type that originates in the ovaries is usually called a dysgerminoma)
• Nonseminomas
• Embryonal carcinoma
• Endodermal sinus (yolk sac) tumor
• Choriocarcinoma
• Teratocarcinoma (germ cell cancer and non-germ cell [mesenchymal] tissue)
• Mixed tumor (containing more than one type of germ cell cancer)

Extragonadal Germ Cell Tumors

Extragonadal (outside the gonads) germ cell tumors are rare. They may grow near the pineal gland in the brain, in the middle of the chest cavity (mediastinum), in the space behind the abdominal cavity (retroperitoneum), or in any other location where stray germ cells settle in the body. When germ cells begin to grow in these locations they occasionally form benign or malignant tumors.

In infants, germ cell tumors typically grow in the lower back in the space in front of the sacrum (back side of the pelvis), where the lumbar portion of the spine joins the pelvis. In adults, the most common site of extragonadal germ cell tumors is in the central portion of the chest cavity, or mediastinum.

Germ cell tumors that originate in the brain typically occur near the pineal gland in the central nervous system of children or adults. For more information about diagnosis and treatment of germ cell tumors that develop in the brain, click on the links below:

• Pediatric brain tumors
• Adult brain tumors
• Mediastinal (central chest cavity) germ cell tumors typically occur in young men ages 20 to 30.
• Retroperitoneal (originating behind the abdominal cavity) tumors probably occur as a result of germ cells left in this area during migration of the testes to the scrotum during embryonic development. Some tumors also occur as a result of spread from a testicular germ cell cancer.
• Sacrococcygeal (lower back) germ cell tumors typically occur in children and infants.

Extragonadal gonadal tumor types include:

• Seminomas (a tumor of this type that originates in the brain is usually called a germinoma)
• Nonseminomas
• Embryonal cell carcinomas
• Teratocarcinomas
• Endodermal sinus tumors
• Choriocarcinomas
• Mixed tumors

Mediastinal and Retroperitoneal Tumors

Mediastinal and retroperitoneal tumors originate behind the abdominal cavity, typically in young men.

Sacrococcygeal Tumors

Sacrococcygeal tumors develop in the lower back, usually in infants.