Getting the Diagnosis of Germ Cell Tumors
Getting the diagnosis of germ cell tumors can be scary. Not only are you dealing with a disease that you may not be able to control, but the treatment you may receive can be very aggressive. This is why you need to be informed about what you should expect before you start treatment.
Ovarian
Usually benign, ovarian germ cell tumors occur in only a small percentage of women. Germ cell tumors are cancers formed from the cells that make eggs. These tumors can occur in different parts of the body, but most occur in the ovaries.
The most common types of ovarian germ cell tumors include dysgerminoma and choriocarcinoma. These tumors can be treated with surgery or chemotherapy. The prognosis of patients depends on the type of tumor and the stage of the disease.
The most common surgical approach for ovarian germ cell tumors is total hysterectomy. This involves the removal of the uterus and cervix, which can be done through a large incision or through a small incision in the vagina. During the surgery, the doctor may also remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Germ cell tumors are usually found in young women. If you have a history of ovarian cancer, you should look for a doctor who specializes in gynecologic oncology. The doctors have experience in treating ovarian cancer and can recommend a treatment plan for you.
Malignant germ cell tumors can be treated with surgery and chemotherapy. They are highly curable in about ninety percent of patients. They can also be treated with radiation therapy. The types of treatment available for ovarian germ cell tumors are based on the type of tumor. There are also clinical trials involving new drugs.
Germ cell tumors can cause symptoms such as pelvic discomfort, pain, or bleeding. They can also recur after treatment. Treatment can include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation.
There are a number of clinical trials involving different types of treatment for ovarian germ cell tumors. This information is based on an independent review of the medical literature.
Testicular
Among the most common solid tumors in young men, testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are highly treatable. They can be classified into two histological subtypes: seminomas and nonseminomas. The onset of these tumors peaks between the third and fourth decades of life. The risk of developing these tumors is increased in Caucasians.
Genetic factors contribute to the abnormal differentiation of these tumors. Recent preclinical data has helped to understand the pathogenesis of TGCTs. Currently, these tumors are treated with a multidisciplinary approach, individualized risk stratification, and chemotherapy. Individualized management is important in order to balance clinical features, long-term toxic effects, and the risk of short-term toxicity.
Molecular changes in these tumors can be categorized into two major groups: genetic and environmental. Several genes are expressed at a higher level in TGCTs, while others are expressed at a lower level. This review highlights the major genetic events that contribute to the development of TGCTs.
Genetic variants in the short arm of chromosome 12 (12p) have been associated with TGCTs. These variants include multiple genes that are mapped to the short arm of chromosome 12. Some genes are expressed at a higher level, while others are expressed at lower levels.
Among these genes is Nanog, a homeobox-containing transcription factor. Nanog is a key regulator of the self-renewal properties of germ cells. Nanog is not expressed in the adult testis, but it is present in early fetal germ cells. The promoter region of Nanog is hypomethylated in spermatogonia.
Other genes involved in TGCTs include the hormone metabolizing genes, such as AKT1 and Bcl-w. They are expressed at a higher level in a variety of tumors, and they are associated with resistance to chemotherapy.
Extragonadal
Generally, the diagnosis of extragonadal germ cell tumors depends on biopsy. However, these tumors can be treated with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can be used to treat both benign and malignant extragonadal germ cell tumors. The types of chemotherapy used to depend on the type of germ cell tumor. The chemotherapy may include bleomycin, cisplatin, vinblastine, and cyclophosphamide.
Typically, extragonadal germ cell tumors are located in the mediastinum, anterior mediastinal region, sacrococcygeal area, or retroperitoneum. However, they can develop in any area of the body that has germ cells. In addition, the tumor can spread to other parts of the body.
Treatment for extragonadal germ cell tumors includes surgery, chemotherapy, and other methods. However, the patient may need to undergo follow-up tests to determine if the tumor has spread. The patient may also need to participate in a clinical trial to learn more about new treatments.
Extragonadal germ cell tumors are uncommon neoplasms. In fact, they are only a small percentage of all neoplasms. They form from germ cells, which give rise to sperm and eggs. The tumors can occur anywhere in the body, but they are most commonly found in the testes.
Treatment for extragonadal germ tumors can cause side effects. Some patients may need to participate in a clinical trial while others may be eligible to participate after they have completed treatment for their cancer. Choosing a clinical trial is important to patients because it may be the first time they get a new type of treatment.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) supports cancer clinical trials. Patients can find information about clinical trials by searching the NCI website. Alternatively, they can search the site by type of cancer. The treatment clinical trials are meant to test new treatments and improve current treatments.
Symptoms
Symptoms of germ cell tumors are varied, so it’s important to know what to look for. Germ cell tumors can occur anywhere in the body, but they’re most common in testicles. They can also form in the brain, pelvis, abdomen, and chest.
Germ cell tumors can be malignant or benign. They’re usually treated with surgery or chemotherapy. Chemotherapy works by killing cancer cells, but it can also cause side effects. Cancer may spread to other parts of the body, so the treatment depends on where the tumor is.
A bloated belly is another symptom of germ cell tumors. The belly may also be accompanied by constipation. Weight gain may be seen in other areas of the body, such as the face or hands. If you notice these symptoms, contact your doctor.
Germ cell tumors can be found in the testicles, ovaries, brain, lower back, pelvis, abdomen, and head. Testicular tumors are usually benign, but they can also be malignant. They can cause pain, swelling, and pelvic discomfort.
When testing for germ cell tumors, your doctor may take a sample of the tumor for analysis. This is called a biopsy. Your doctor may also check for lumps or swelling in your testicles or ovaries. He or she may also check your blood for markers that indicate the type of tumor you have. These markers may include alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin, beta-human chorionic gonadotropin, and chorionic gonadotropin.
A swollen belly is a symptom of germ cell tumors that may be seen in teenagers and young women. However, it’s less common in older women.
Other common germ cell tumors are found in the ovaries and placenta. The ovaries are the female reproductive organs that produce eggs. The ovaries are located on each side of the uterus. A total hysterectomy is the most common treatment for ovarian germ cell tumors.
Chemotherapy
Various types of chemotherapy are used to treat germ cell tumors. They include surgery, X-rays, radiation, and drugs. The treatment depends on the type of tumor and the patient’s overall health.
The standard treatment for metastatic germ cell tumors is cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Other therapies may be used in addition to cisplatin. This is because germ cell tumors are sensitive to chemotherapy.
Patients may want to consider participating in clinical trials. These trials are designed to find new treatments for cancer. Those patients may enter the trials before they start cancer treatment or after they finish. They may also have follow-up tests after the cancer treatment has ended.
Tests for germ cell tumors include blood tests to check the level of proteins in the blood, a beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (b-HCG) test to look for higher levels of protein, and other tests. These tests can help the doctor determine if cancer has spread.
In addition to tests, imaging tests are used to show where the tumor is located and how it is spreading. Other types of tests include genetic tests, which are used to find tumors that are related to a specific genetic disorder.
There are two main subtypes of germ cell tumors. They are seminomas, which account for about 60% of cases, and non-seminomas, which account for about 40% of cases.
Males have a higher risk of germ cell tumors than females. These tumors are generally curable. Surgery usually removes these tumors. However, if they are not removed, they may spread to other parts of the body. The treatments for extragonadal germ cell tumors are different from those for testicular tumors.
Tests for extragonadal germ cell tumors include a blood test to check the levels of the proteins alpha-fetoprotein and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin. Those with higher levels of these proteins indicate that there is a germ cell tumor.
Health Sources:
Health A to Z. (n.d.). HSE.ie. https://www2.hse.ie/az/
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Directory Health Topics. (n.d.). https://www.healthline.com/directory/topics
Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
Health Conditions A-Z Sitemap. (n.d.). EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/conditions/
