Germ cell tumor
Encyclopedia
A germ cell tumor is a neoplasm derived from germ cell
s. Germ cell tumors can be cancer
ous or non-cancerous tumors. Germ cells normally occur inside the gonads (ovary
and testis). Germ cell tumors that originate outside the gonads may be birth defects resulting from errors during development
of the embryo
.
Extragonadal germ cell tumors were thought initially to be isolated metastases
from an undetected primary tumor in a gonad
, but it is now known that many germ cell tumors are congenital and originate outside the gonads. The most notable of these is sacrococcygeal teratoma
, the single most common tumor diagnosed in babies at birth.
, regardless of location in the body.
Germ cell tumors are broadly divided in two classes:
The two classes reflect an important clinical difference. Compared to germinomatous tumors, nongerminomatous tumors tend to grow faster, have an earlier mean age at time of diagnosis (~25 years versus ~35 years, in the case of testicular cancer
s), and have a lower 5 year survival rate. The survival rate for germinomatous tumors is higher in part because these tumors are very sensitive to radiation, and they also respond well to chemotherapy. The prognosis for nongerminomatous tumours has improved dramatically, however, due to the use of platinum-based chemotherapy regimens.
Mixed germ cell tumors occur in many forms. Among these, a common form is teratoma with endodermal sinus tumor.
Teratocarcinoma refers to a germ cell tumor that is a mixture of teratoma
with embryonal carcinoma
, or with choriocarcinoma
, or with both. This kind of mixed germ cell tumor may be known simply as a teratoma with elements of embryonal carcinoma or choriocarcinoma, or simply by ignoring the teratoma component and referring only to its malignant component: embryonal carcinoma and/or choriocarcinoma. They can present in the anterior mediastinum
.
and testis.
In females, germ cell tumors account for 30% of ovarian tumors, but only 1 to 3% of ovarian cancer
s in North America
. In younger women germ cell tumors are more common, thus in patients under the age of 21, 60% of ovarian tumors are of the germ cell type, and up to one-third are malignant
. In males, germ cell tumors of the testis occur typically after puberty and are malignant (testicular cancer
). In neonates, infants, and children younger than 4 years, the majority of germ cell tumors are sacrococcygeal teratoma
s.
Males with Klinefelter's syndrome
have a 50 times greater risk of germ cell tumors (GSTs). In these persons, GSTs usually contain nonseminomatous elements, present at an earlier age, and seldom are gonadal in location.
A small study of ovarian tumors in girls reports a correlation between cyst
ic and benign tumors and, conversely, solid and malignant tumors. Because the cystic extent of a tumor can be estimated by ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan before surgery, this permits selection of the most appropriate surgical plan to minimize risk of spillage of a malignant tumor.
Access to appropriate treatment has a large effect on outcome. A 1993 study of outcomes in Scotland found that for 454 men with non-seminomatous (non-germinomatous) germ cell tumors diagnosed between 1975 and 1989, 5-year survival increased over time and with earlier diagnosis. Adjusting for these and other factors, survival was 60% higher for men treated in a cancer unit that treated the majority of these men, even though the unit treated more men with the worst prognosis.
by the worldwide Children's Oncology Group
(COG), in a number of studies coordinated by Dr. John Cullen, MD.
Intracranial Germ Cell Tumors have been studied through the International CNS GCT Study Group. Under the direction of Jonathan Finlay, the program director, three international treatment studies have been initiated since 1990 with the goal to maintain a high rate of cure while minimizing the late effect
s of treatment.
Germ cell
A germ cell is any biological cell that gives rise to the gametes of an organism that reproduces sexually. In many animals, the germ cells originate near the gut of an embryo and migrate to the developing gonads. There, they undergo cell division of two types, mitosis and meiosis, followed by...
s. Germ cell tumors can be cancer
Cancer
Cancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the...
ous or non-cancerous tumors. Germ cells normally occur inside the gonads (ovary
Ovary
The ovary is an ovum-producing reproductive organ, often found in pairs as part of the vertebrate female reproductive system. Ovaries in anatomically female individuals are analogous to testes in anatomically male individuals, in that they are both gonads and endocrine glands.-Human anatomy:Ovaries...
and testis). Germ cell tumors that originate outside the gonads may be birth defects resulting from errors during development
Developmental biology
Developmental biology is the study of the process by which organisms grow and develop. Modern developmental biology studies the genetic control of cell growth, differentiation and "morphogenesis", which is the process that gives rise to tissues, organs and anatomy.- Related fields of study...
of the embryo
Embryo
An embryo is a multicellular diploid eukaryote in its earliest stage of development, from the time of first cell division until birth, hatching, or germination...
.
Etiology
Some investigators suggest that this distribution arises as a consequence of abnormal migration of germ cells during embryogenesis. Others hypothesize a widespread distribution of germ cells to multiple sites during normal embryogenesis, with these cells conveying genetic information or providing regulatory functions at somatic sites.Extragonadal germ cell tumors were thought initially to be isolated metastases
Metastasis
Metastasis, or metastatic disease , is the spread of a disease from one organ or part to another non-adjacent organ or part. It was previously thought that only malignant tumor cells and infections have the capacity to metastasize; however, this is being reconsidered due to new research...
from an undetected primary tumor in a gonad
Gonad
The gonad is the organ that makes gametes. The gonads in males are the testes and the gonads in females are the ovaries. The product, gametes, are haploid germ cells. For example, spermatozoon and egg cells are gametes...
, but it is now known that many germ cell tumors are congenital and originate outside the gonads. The most notable of these is sacrococcygeal teratoma
Sacrococcygeal teratoma
Sacrococcygeal teratoma is a teratoma located at the base of the coccyx . It is thought to be a derivative of the primitive streak.-Natural history:...
, the single most common tumor diagnosed in babies at birth.
Classification
Germ cell tumors are classified by their histologyHistology
Histology is the study of the microscopic anatomy of cells and tissues of plants and animals. It is performed by examining cells and tissues commonly by sectioning and staining; followed by examination under a light microscope or electron microscope...
, regardless of location in the body.
Germ cell tumors are broadly divided in two classes:
- The germinomatous or seminomatous germ cell tumors (GGCT, SGCT) include only germinomaGerminomaA germinoma is a type of germ cell tumor which is not differentiated upon examination. It may be benign or malignant.-Classification:The term germinoma most often has referred to a tumor in the brain that has a histology identical to two other tumors: dysgerminoma in the ovary and seminoma in the...
and its synonyms dysgerminomaDysgerminomaA dysgerminoma is a type of germ cell tumor; it usually is malignant and usually occurs in the ovary.A tumor of the identical histology but not occurring in the ovary may be described by an alternate name: seminoma in the testis or germinoma in the central nervous system or other parts of the...
and seminoma.The nongerminomatous or nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCT, NSGCT) include all other germ cell tumors, pure and mixed.
The two classes reflect an important clinical difference. Compared to germinomatous tumors, nongerminomatous tumors tend to grow faster, have an earlier mean age at time of diagnosis (~25 years versus ~35 years, in the case of testicular cancer
Testicular cancer
Testicular cancer is cancer that develops in the testicles, a part of the male reproductive system.In the United States, between 7,500 and 8,000 diagnoses of testicular cancer are made each year. In the UK, approximately 2,000 men are diagnosed each year. Over his lifetime, a man's risk of...
s), and have a lower 5 year survival rate. The survival rate for germinomatous tumors is higher in part because these tumors are very sensitive to radiation, and they also respond well to chemotherapy. The prognosis for nongerminomatous tumours has improved dramatically, however, due to the use of platinum-based chemotherapy regimens.
Germinomatous
| Tumor | ICD-O | Peak Age (yr) | Benign Benign A benign tumor is a tumor that lacks the ability to metastasize. Common examples of benign tumors include moles and uterine fibroids.The term "benign" implies a mild and nonprogressive disease. Indeed, many kinds of benign tumors are harmless to human health... or malignant Malignant Malignancy is the tendency of a medical condition, especially tumors, to become progressively worse and to potentially result in death. Malignancy in cancers is characterized by anaplasia, invasiveness, and metastasis... |
Histology | Tumor marker |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germinoma Germinoma A germinoma is a type of germ cell tumor which is not differentiated upon examination. It may be benign or malignant.-Classification:The term germinoma most often has referred to a tumor in the brain that has a histology identical to two other tumors: dysgerminoma in the ovary and seminoma in the... (including dysgerminoma and seminoma) |
40–50 | Malignant | Sheets of uniform polygonal cells with cleared cytoplasm; lymphocytes in the stroma | 10% have elevated hCG Human chorionic gonadotropin Human chorionic gonadotropin or human chorionic gonadotrophin is a glycoprotein hormone produced during pregnancy that is made by the developing embryo after conception and later by the syncytiotrophoblast .. Some tumors make this hormone; measured elevated levels when the patient is not... |
|
| Dysgerminoma Dysgerminoma A dysgerminoma is a type of germ cell tumor; it usually is malignant and usually occurs in the ovary.A tumor of the identical histology but not occurring in the ovary may be described by an alternate name: seminoma in the testis or germinoma in the central nervous system or other parts of the... |
|||||
| Seminoma |
Nongerminomatous
| Tumor | ICD-O | Peak Age (yr) | Benign Benign A benign tumor is a tumor that lacks the ability to metastasize. Common examples of benign tumors include moles and uterine fibroids.The term "benign" implies a mild and nonprogressive disease. Indeed, many kinds of benign tumors are harmless to human health... or malignant Malignant Malignancy is the tendency of a medical condition, especially tumors, to become progressively worse and to potentially result in death. Malignancy in cancers is characterized by anaplasia, invasiveness, and metastasis... |
Histology | Tumor marker |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embryonal carcinoma Embryonal carcinoma Embryonal carcinoma is a relatively uncommon type of germ cell tumour that occurs in the ovaries and testes.-Ovarian embryonal carcinoma:In the ovary, embryonal carcinoma is quite rare, amounting to approximately three percent of ovarian germ cell tumours. The median age at diagnosis is 15 years... |
9070/3 | 20–30 | Malignant | Poorly differentiated, pleomorphic cells in cords, sheets, or papillary formation | Pure tumors do not secrete hCG, AFP Alpha-fetoprotein Alpha-fetoprotein is a protein that in humans is encoded by the AFP gene.... |
| Endodermal sinus tumor Endodermal sinus tumor Endodermal sinus tumor , also known as yolk sac tumor , is a member of the germ cell tumor group of cancers. It is the most common testicular tumor in children under 3, and is also known as infantile embryonal carcinoma. This age group has a very good prognosis... , also known as yolk sac tumor (EST, YST) |
9071/3 | 3 | Malignant | Poorly differentiated endothelium-like, cuboidal, or columnar cells | 100% secrete AFP |
| Choriocarcinoma Choriocarcinoma Choriocarcinoma is a malignant, trophoblastic and aggressive cancer, usually of the placenta. It is characterized by early hematogenous spread to the lungs... |
9100/3 | 20–30 | Malignant | Cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast without villus formation | 100% secrete hCG |
| Teratoma Teratoma A teratoma is an encapsulated tumor with tissue or organ components resembling normal derivatives of all three germ layers. There are rare occasions when not all three germ layers are identifiable... including mature teratoma, dermoid cyst Dermoid cyst A dermoid cyst is a cystic teratoma that contains developmentally mature skin complete with hair follicles and sweat glands, sometimes clumps of long hair, and often pockets of sebum, blood, fat, bone, nails, teeth, eyes, cartilage, and thyroid tissue. Because it contains mature tissue, a dermoid... , immature teratoma, teratoma with malignant transformation |
9080/0-9080/3 | 0–3, 15–30 | Mature teratoma, dermoid cyst usually benign (but follow-up Watchful waiting Watchful waiting is an approach to a medical problem in which time is allowed to pass before medical intervention or therapy is used. During this time, repeated testing may be performed.... required); others usually malignant |
Very variable, but "normal" tissues are common | Pure tumors do not secrete hCG, AFP |
| Polyembryoma Polyembryoma Polyembryoma is a rare, very aggressive form of germ cell tumor usually found in the ovaries. Polyembryoma has features of both yolk sac tumour and undifferentiated teratoma/embryonal carcinoma, with a characteristic finding of embryoid bodies lying in a loose mesenchymal stroma.It has been found... |
9072/3 | 15–25 | ? | ? | ? |
| Gonadoblastoma Gonadoblastoma A gonadoblastoma is a complex neoplasm composed of a mixture of gonadal elements, such as large primordial germ cells, immature Sertoli cells or granulosa cells of the sex cord, and gonadal stromal cells.-Associations:... |
9073/1 | ? | ? | ? | ? |
Mixed
| Tumor | ICD-O | Peak Age (yr) | Benign Benign A benign tumor is a tumor that lacks the ability to metastasize. Common examples of benign tumors include moles and uterine fibroids.The term "benign" implies a mild and nonprogressive disease. Indeed, many kinds of benign tumors are harmless to human health... or malignant Malignant Malignancy is the tendency of a medical condition, especially tumors, to become progressively worse and to potentially result in death. Malignancy in cancers is characterized by anaplasia, invasiveness, and metastasis... |
Histology | Tumor marker |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mixed | 15–30 | Malignant | Depends on elements present | Depends on elements present |
Mixed germ cell tumors occur in many forms. Among these, a common form is teratoma with endodermal sinus tumor.
Teratocarcinoma refers to a germ cell tumor that is a mixture of teratoma
Teratoma
A teratoma is an encapsulated tumor with tissue or organ components resembling normal derivatives of all three germ layers. There are rare occasions when not all three germ layers are identifiable...
with embryonal carcinoma
Embryonal carcinoma
Embryonal carcinoma is a relatively uncommon type of germ cell tumour that occurs in the ovaries and testes.-Ovarian embryonal carcinoma:In the ovary, embryonal carcinoma is quite rare, amounting to approximately three percent of ovarian germ cell tumours. The median age at diagnosis is 15 years...
, or with choriocarcinoma
Choriocarcinoma
Choriocarcinoma is a malignant, trophoblastic and aggressive cancer, usually of the placenta. It is characterized by early hematogenous spread to the lungs...
, or with both. This kind of mixed germ cell tumor may be known simply as a teratoma with elements of embryonal carcinoma or choriocarcinoma, or simply by ignoring the teratoma component and referring only to its malignant component: embryonal carcinoma and/or choriocarcinoma. They can present in the anterior mediastinum
Anterior mediastinum
The anterior mediastinum exists only on the left side where the left pleura diverges from the mid-sternal line.It is narrow, above, but widens out a little below.-Boundaries:It is bounded:* in front by the sternum* laterally by the pleurae...
.
Location
Despite their name, germ cell tumors occur both within and outside the ovaryOvary
The ovary is an ovum-producing reproductive organ, often found in pairs as part of the vertebrate female reproductive system. Ovaries in anatomically female individuals are analogous to testes in anatomically male individuals, in that they are both gonads and endocrine glands.-Human anatomy:Ovaries...
and testis.
- headHeadIn anatomy, the head of an animal is the rostral part that usually comprises the brain, eyes, ears, nose and mouth . Some very simple animals may not have a head, but many bilaterally symmetric forms do....
- inside the cranium — pineal and suprasellar locations are most commonly reported
- inside the mouthMouthThe mouth is the first portion of the alimentary canal that receives food andsaliva. The oral mucosa is the mucous membrane epithelium lining the inside of the mouth....
— a fairly common location for teratomaTeratomaA teratoma is an encapsulated tumor with tissue or organ components resembling normal derivatives of all three germ layers. There are rare occasions when not all three germ layers are identifiable...
- neckNeckThe neck is the part of the body, on many terrestrial or secondarily aquatic vertebrates, that distinguishes the head from the torso or trunk. The adjective signifying "of the neck" is cervical .-Boner anatomy: The cervical spine:The cervical portion of the human spine comprises seven boney...
- 1% to 5% in the mediastinumMediastinumThe mediastinum is a non-delineated group of structures in the thorax, surrounded by loose connective tissue. It is the central compartment of the thoracic cavity...
(mediastinal germ cell tumorMediastinal germ cell tumorMalignant mediastinal germ cell tumors of various histologies were first described as a clinical entity approximately 50 years ago. Mediastinal and other extragonadal germ cell tumors were initially thought to represent isolated metastases from an inapparent gonadal primary site.-Etiology:Some...
) - pelvisPelvisIn human anatomy, the pelvis is the lower part of the trunk, between the abdomen and the lower limbs .The pelvis includes several structures:...
, particularly sacrococcygeal teratomaSacrococcygeal teratomaSacrococcygeal teratoma is a teratoma located at the base of the coccyx . It is thought to be a derivative of the primitive streak.-Natural history:... - ovaryOvaryThe ovary is an ovum-producing reproductive organ, often found in pairs as part of the vertebrate female reproductive system. Ovaries in anatomically female individuals are analogous to testes in anatomically male individuals, in that they are both gonads and endocrine glands.-Human anatomy:Ovaries...
- testis
In females, germ cell tumors account for 30% of ovarian tumors, but only 1 to 3% of ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is a cancerous growth arising from the ovary. Symptoms are frequently very subtle early on and may include: bloating, pelvic pain, difficulty eating and frequent urination, and are easily confused with other illnesses....
s in North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
. In younger women germ cell tumors are more common, thus in patients under the age of 21, 60% of ovarian tumors are of the germ cell type, and up to one-third are malignant
Malignant
Malignancy is the tendency of a medical condition, especially tumors, to become progressively worse and to potentially result in death. Malignancy in cancers is characterized by anaplasia, invasiveness, and metastasis...
. In males, germ cell tumors of the testis occur typically after puberty and are malignant (testicular cancer
Testicular cancer
Testicular cancer is cancer that develops in the testicles, a part of the male reproductive system.In the United States, between 7,500 and 8,000 diagnoses of testicular cancer are made each year. In the UK, approximately 2,000 men are diagnosed each year. Over his lifetime, a man's risk of...
). In neonates, infants, and children younger than 4 years, the majority of germ cell tumors are sacrococcygeal teratoma
Sacrococcygeal teratoma
Sacrococcygeal teratoma is a teratoma located at the base of the coccyx . It is thought to be a derivative of the primitive streak.-Natural history:...
s.
Males with Klinefelter's syndrome
Klinefelter's syndrome
Klinefelter syndrome, 46/47, XXY, or XXY syndrome is a condition in which human males have an extra X chromosome. While females have an XX chromosomal makeup, and males an XY, affected individuals have at least two X chromosomes and at least one Y chromosome...
have a 50 times greater risk of germ cell tumors (GSTs). In these persons, GSTs usually contain nonseminomatous elements, present at an earlier age, and seldom are gonadal in location.
Prognosis
The 1997 International Germ Cell Consensus Classification is a tool for estimating the risk of relapse after treatment of malignant germ cell tumor.A small study of ovarian tumors in girls reports a correlation between cyst
Cyst
A cyst is a closed sac, having a distinct membrane and division on the nearby tissue. It may contain air, fluids, or semi-solid material. A collection of pus is called an abscess, not a cyst. Once formed, a cyst could go away on its own or may have to be removed through surgery.- Locations :* Acne...
ic and benign tumors and, conversely, solid and malignant tumors. Because the cystic extent of a tumor can be estimated by ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan before surgery, this permits selection of the most appropriate surgical plan to minimize risk of spillage of a malignant tumor.
Access to appropriate treatment has a large effect on outcome. A 1993 study of outcomes in Scotland found that for 454 men with non-seminomatous (non-germinomatous) germ cell tumors diagnosed between 1975 and 1989, 5-year survival increased over time and with earlier diagnosis. Adjusting for these and other factors, survival was 60% higher for men treated in a cancer unit that treated the majority of these men, even though the unit treated more men with the worst prognosis.
Research
Germ cell tumors of children are the subject of clinical researchClinical research
Clinical research is a branch of medical science that determines the safety and effectiveness of medications, devices, diagnostic products and treatment regimens intended for human use...
by the worldwide Children's Oncology Group
Children's Oncology Group
The Children’s Oncology Group , a National Cancer Institute supported clinical trials group, is the world’s largest organization devoted exclusively to childhood and adolescent cancer research...
(COG), in a number of studies coordinated by Dr. John Cullen, MD.
Intracranial Germ Cell Tumors have been studied through the International CNS GCT Study Group. Under the direction of Jonathan Finlay, the program director, three international treatment studies have been initiated since 1990 with the goal to maintain a high rate of cure while minimizing the late effect
Late effect
In medicine, a late effect is a condition that appears after the acute phase of an earlier, causal condition has run its course. A late effect can be caused directly by the earlier condition, or indirectly by the treatment for the earlier condition. Some late effects can occur decades later...
s of treatment.