Description

Germ cell tumors are masses of cells that form from reproductive cells called germ cells. In the female reproductive system, germ cells are converted into eggs. In the male reproductive system, become sperm. Most germ cell tumors occur in the testes or the ovaries.

Some germ cell tumors occur in other areas of the body, but are very rare. These are the so-called extragonadal germ cell tumors. Examples of places where these tumors can form include the belly, the brain, and in the chest. It is not clear why the germ-cell tumors are formed in different places of the testes and the ovaries.

Some germ cell tumors may be cancer, but others are not cancer.

The treatment for germ cell tumors may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Symptoms

The symptoms of germ cell tumors depends on where they happen. Often, the symptoms occur due to a growing tumor exerts pressure on the nearby tissue or organs. For example, a germ cell tumor of the ovary can lead to pelvic pain, back pain, swelling or inflammation in the belly. A germ cell tumor of testis may cause swelling or pain in the scrotum or testicles. A lump in the testis is a common symptom of a testicular germ cell tumor.

Causes

It is not clear what causes germ cell tumors. Germ cell tumors form in cells that become eggs in the ovaries and sperm in the testes. Germ cell tumors occur when germ cells develop changes in their DNA. A cell's DNA contains the instructions that tell the cell what to do. In healthy cells, the DNA tells the cells to grow and multiply at a set rate. The DNA also tells the cells to die at a set time.

In tumor cells, changes in DNA to give different instructions. Changes to say to the tumor cells to grow and multiply quickly. Tumor cells can continue living when healthy cells would die. This makes too many cells. Tumor cells can form a mass that can grow and press on nearby tissue or organs.

Sometimes changes in the DNA to activate the germ cells in the cancer cells. The cancerous cells can invade and destroy healthy body tissue. Cancer cells sometimes are separated and spread to other parts of the body.

Risk factors

Factors that may increase the risk of germ cell tumors are:

  • The young age. Germ cell tumors tend to occur at an early age. For example, germ cell tumors that form in the ovaries are most common before the age of 20 years. Germ cell tumors that form in the testes are most common between the ages of 15 and 35 years.
  • Undescended testicle. Have a testicle that has not moved down into their proper place in the scrotum before birth may increase the risk of a germ cell tumor of testis. The medical term for this condition is the undescended testicle.

Health professionals have not found anything that can prevent the germ-cell tumors.

Diagnosis

Tests and procedures used to diagnose germ cell tumors may include imaging tests, blood tests and surgery.

Imaging tests

Imaging tests that the images of the body that can show the size and location of a tumor. The ultrasound is often used to make images of germ cell tumors of the ovaries and the testes. Ultrasound can give the team doctor for more information about lumps or masses that could be a germ cell tumor. You can help the care team to see if the lumps are seen as something that could be cancer or non-cancer.

Other imaging tests may include ct scan, also called computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, also called magnetic resonance imaging.

Blood tests

A blood test can detect proteins produced by cancer cells. This type of test is called a tumor marker test. Having these substances in the blood does not mean that someone has cancer. But if the level is higher than usual, that the information may help health professionals to better understand what is happening in the body.

Surgery

If a mass or lump may be cancer, surgery may be needed to remove. Then, the tissue is sent to a laboratory for analysis. The tests can show if it is cancer.

Treatment

The treatment for germ cell tumors may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Surgery

The surgery is often used to draw a germ cell tumor. The type of surgery that is used to remove a tumor of germ cells may depend on the location of the tumor. If a tumor in a testicle could be cancer, surgery is often included the removal of the entire testicle.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy treats the cancer with strong medications. Many chemotherapy drugs exist. The majority of chemotherapy drugs are given through a vein. Some come in the form of a pill.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy treats cancer with powerful rays of energy. The energy can come from X-rays, protons or other sources. During radiation therapy, you lie on a table while a machine moves around you. The machine directs radiation to precise points of the body.

Preparing for your appointment

If you have any symptoms that worry you, start by making an appointment with a doctor or other health care professional. If your healthcare provider suspects that a germ cell tumor could be cancer, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in cancer, called an oncologist.

Because appointments can be brief, it is a good idea to be prepared. The following information may help you prepare for an appointment.

What you can do

  • Write down your symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
  • Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
  • Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements you are taking.
  • Consider taking along a family member or friend. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all information that is obtained during an appointment. Someone who goes with you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
  • Write questions to ask their health professional.

Questions for your doctor

Below are some basic questions to ask your health care professional. If you think of other questions during your appointment, make sure you ask these questions, too.

  • What is likely causing my symptoms?
  • Other that the most likely cause, what are other possible causes of the symptoms?
  • What tests do I need?
  • What is the best course of action?
  • What are the alternatives to the approach that you're suggesting?
  • I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
  • There are restrictions that must be followed?
  • You should see a specialist?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What sites do you recommend?

What to expect from your doctor

Ask your health care professional can do include:

  • When did your symptoms begin?
  • Do you have symptoms all the time, or come and go?
  • How bad are the symptoms?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?

Be prepared to answer these questions will help you make the most of your appointment time.

Symptoms and treatment of Germ cell tumors