Germ cell tumors (GCTs) develop from reproductive germ cells in testicles and ovaries (or extragonadal belly, brain, chest). Most common solid tumor in males 15-40.
Classifications & Subtypes
• Teratomas: Mature dermoid cysts (benign) or Immature (malignant).
• Yolk Sac Tumors: Malignant, common in children.
• Germinomas: Dysgerminoma (ovaries) & Seminoma (testicles).
• Other Subtypes: Embryonal cell carcinoma, Polyembryomas, Choriocarcinoma (placental origin), Mixed GCTs.
• Seminomas (slow-growing) vs Non-seminomas (fast-growing).
Symptoms & Diagnostic Markers
Symptoms: Palpable lump, body pain, testicle deformity, abdominal swelling, constipation, cough, headache.
Diagnostics: Scrotal/pelvic ultrasound, CT, MRI, Blood tumor markers (AFP, Beta-hCG, LDH), Surgical biopsy.
Treatment: Surgical orchiectomy/resection, Cisplatin chemotherapy, Radiation therapy.