Germ cell tumours (clinicians)
About germ cell tumours
Each year, about 50 children and another 330 young people are diagnosed with germ cell tumours in the UK.
Germ cell tumours can develop at any age and usually originate in the ovaries or testes (gonadal germ cell tumours), but they can sometimes occur in other parts of the body as well (extragonadal germ cell tumours). Germ cell tumours can be benign or malignant.
Extragonadal germ cell tumours most commonly occur are at the bottom of the spine (sacrococcygeal), the brain, chest and abdomen. There are several different types of germ cell tumours including germinomas, yolk- sac tumours, embryonal carcinomas and teratomas.
The overall survival rate of children with germ cell tumours is very good, with 93% 5-year survival rates.
Children with specifically gonadal germ cell tumours now have an impressive 99% 5-year survival.
Signs & symptoms
- Symptoms are dependent on where the germ cell tumour develops, but can include:
- A palpable lump
- Chest or abdominal pain
- Abdominal distension
- Pallor
- The tumour may press on other body parts such as the bladder causing symptoms such as marked urinary frequency.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis usually will involve:
- Bloods for tumour markers (AFP and HCG)
- CT or MRI scan
- Biopsy
- Chest x-ray to rule out tumour spread
Treatment of germ cell tumours
- The mainstay of treatment is usually surgery
- If the tumour has spread or cannot be completely removed, then chemotherapy can be used before or after surgery
- If the tumour is in the brain, it may also be treated with radiotherapy.
