EXTRAGONADAL GERM CELL TUMORS

Extragonadal germ cell tumors are germ cell cancers that develop outside of the ovaries and testicles. It may start to develop in the pineal gland in our brain, the space between our lungs, or the region between the intestines and the back wall of the abdomen. 

Furthermore, these germ cell cancers can either be cancerous or benign tumors. Extragonadal germ cell tumors, which are benign teratomas, are considerably more common than malignant extragonadal germ cell tumors. 

TYPES

The two types of extragonadal germ cell tumors are:

  • Nonseminoma. This type develops and spreads fast.
  • Seminoma. This type develops and expands slowly.

SYMPTOMS

These germ cell cancers spread into adjacent regions, they may induce signs and symptoms. The same signs and symptoms might also be caused by other diseases. If anyone gets any of the following symptoms, see your doctor:

  • Pain in the chest
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Breathing difficulties 
  • Headache
  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Feeling very tired
  • Having difficulty walking
  • Difficulty in moving eyes or seeing

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis of extragonadal germ cell tumors includes several tests and procedures, such as:

Physical exam and history. This is performed to look for general health indicators and signs of disease, such as tumors.

X-ray. This is a sort of radiation beam that may pass through the body and onto film, producing images of inside organs.

Biopsy. This test is used for the removal of tissues or cells so that a pathologist may examine them below a microscope for indications of malignancy. The sort of biopsy utilized is determined by the location of the extragonadal germ cell tumor.

Serum tumor marker test. This test is used to determine the number of specific chemicals produced into the bloodstream by tissues, organs, or tumor cells in the body.

TREATMENT

Patients with these germ cell cancers can get a variety of treatments. The things listed below are the treatment for this condition.

Radiation therapy. This is a cancer treatment that involves the use of high-energy x-rays and other forms of radiation to kill or stop cancer cells from developing.

Chemotherapy. This is one of the common treatments for cancer patients. In chemotherapy, you will also be given some medicines to fight the cancerous cells. 

Surgery. If there is no other way to destroy the cancer cells, physicians often suggest surgery. 

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