What is mediastinal germ cell tumor?
Mediastinal germ cell tumors are a heterogeneous group of benign and malignant neoplasms that originate from primitive germ cells left in the mediastinum during early embryogenesis. The anterior mediastinum is the most common extragonadal primary site of germ cell tumors.
Is seminoma benign or malignant?
Seminoma is a malignant germ cell tumor that involves most commonly the testicle or less frequently the mediastinum, the retroperitoneum, or other extra-gonadal sites.
What is mediastinal seminoma?
Mediastinal seminomas are generally bulky tumors and tend to infiltrate into adjacent structures early in the growth process. The cells are large and contain variable amounts of glycogen. These tumors are composed of large cells with multiple nuclei, which closely resemble syncytiotrophoblasts.
What is a germ cell tumor chest?
The mediastinum is the area in the centre of the chest, between the lungs. It is pronounced media-sty-num. Mediastinal germ cell tumours are a type of tumour that grow in the mediastinum. They develop in a type of cell called germ cells.
Where do germ cell tumors arise from?
Germ cell tumors arise in the ovaries (in girls), the testes (in boys), and in several other locations, including the lower back (common in infancy), the abdomen, the chest, and within the brain. Germ cell tumors starting within the brain are discussed further under Brain Tumors.
Is seminoma curable?
Stage I seminomas These cancers can be cured in nearly all patients. Surgery is done first to remove the testicle and spermatic cord (called a radical inguinal orchiectomy).
Which is worse seminoma or nonseminoma?
Seminomas are very sensitive to radiation therapy. Nonseminoma: This more common type of testicular cancer tends to grow more quickly than seminomas. Nonseminoma tumors are often made up of more than one type of cell, and are identified according to these different cell types: Choriocarcinoma (rare)
What is the difference between seminoma and nonseminoma?
What causes seminoma?
Later in development, germ cells in males are supposed to mature into sperm-producing cells within the testicles. If the germ cells don’t mature as they are supposed to, they can sometimes change and multiply uncontrollably to form a seminoma or non-seminoma.
Is germ cell tumor curable?
Germ cell tumours generally respond very well to chemotherapy. Most people are cured. Even cancers that have spread are still very treatable with chemotherapy.
What are the signs of germ cell tumor?
Common signs of germ cell tumors include:
- A mass on your ovaries or testicles.
- Belly pain and swelling (caused by tumor)
- Bathroom troubles (a hard time pooping or holding in your pee, if the tumor is near your pelvis)
- Breast growth, pubic hair, or vaginal bleeding at an earlier age than normal.
- Belly or chest pain.