What is germ cell cancer in children?
Key points about germ cell tumors in children Germ cell tumors may be cancer (malignant) or not cancer (benign). The tumors usually affect the ovaries or testicles. They may also affect the brain, mediastinum, retroperitoneum, sacrum, or coccyx. Symptoms vary depending on the size and location of the tumor.
What is the survival rate of germ cell tumor?
The 5-year survival rate for teens ages 15 to 19 is 93%. The survival and cure rates also depend on several factors, including the stage of the disease. The cure rate for children with a stage I or stage II germ cell tumor is 90%. The cure rate for a stage III tumor is 87%.
What is the most common germ cell tumor?
Teratomas are the most common type of germ cell tumor to develop in extragonadal (not in the ovary or testes) areas. Doctors usually treat teratomas with surgery because chemotherapy doesn’t work in a benign tumor.
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.
Is germ cell tumor curable?
Germ cell tumours generally respond very well to chemotherapy and most people are cured. Even cancers that have spread are still very treatable with chemotherapy.
Where does germ cell tumor occur?
Most germ cell tumors occur in the testicles or the ovaries. Some germ cell tumors occur in other areas of the body, such as the abdomen, brain and chest, though it’s not clear why.
Can germ cell tumors come back?
How do providers treat benign (noncancerous) ovarian germ cell tumors? Healthcare providers remove benign tumors surgically. Sometimes, they need to remove the ovary (or part of the ovary) when removing the tumor. Benign tumors rarely grow back after providers remove them.
Is angiosarcoma a germ cell tumor?
The residual mass continued to grow, and complete resection was subsequently achieved after a detailed analysis of its vascular anatomy using angiography. The final pathological findings revealed angiosarcoma, which indicated a rare somatic type of mediastinal non‐seminomatous germ cell tumor.
Are germ cell tumors genetic?
The cause of germ cell tumors isn’t fully known. Some gene defects passed on from parents to children (inherited) may increase the risk for germ cell tumors. Some genetic syndromes can cause abnormal growth of the male and female reproductive systems.
Do germ cell tumors grow fast?
There are two types of germ cell tumors that start in the gonads, or reproductive organs: seminomas, which are slower-growing, and nonseminomas, which are faster-growing tumors.
Are germ cell tumors congenital?
Germ cell tumors are growths that form from reproductive cells. These tumors are congenital (present before birth), rare, and can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Are germ cell tumors curable?