A germ cell tumor originates from the original sex cells, the germ cells, of humans. It is a tumor that is malignant in most cases. We then speak of cancer. A germ cell tumor can arise in the brain, testicle, ovary, in front of the tailbone or in the abdominal cavity. The predisposition to this form of cancer already lies in the embryonic phase. A germ cell tumor often arises in the first years of life, sometimes only in young adulthood. Treatment focuses on removing or reducing the size of the germ cell tumor. Sometimes there are metastases.
What is a tumor?
A tumor is a swelling. This can be benign or malignant. When a tumor is malignant, we call it cancer. A tumor can consist of fluid, inflammatory cells, pus/pus, sebum, red blood cells or enlarged body cells.
Germ cell tumor
A germ cell tumor is a growth that originates from the sex cells in humans. It is often a tumor in the ovary (woman) or testicle (man). In children, a germ cell tumor often also occurs in the brain. It occurs in children under the age of 16 and in young adults (between 20 and 35 years old). In children it occurs in 1 in 250,000 children. So it is a fairly rare form of childhood cancer. It occurs more often between the ages of 20 and 35. This is because a germ cell tumor often only develops at a later age.
We distinguish seminomas and nonseminomas. Seminomas originate from the sperm-forming tissue in men. Half of all germ cell tumors consist of seminomas. Metastases from seminoma occur via the lymphatic system. Nonseminomas can be divided into embryonal cell cancer, teratoma (often in the ovary or testicle) and placental cancer. Metastases occur via the bloodstream.
Cause
A germ cell tumor arises from primitive germ cells. Every person started as one cell, from a sperm cell and an egg cell. Cell division creates many new cells. The cells form groups and are each assigned a separate function. Germ cells are the precursors of egg cells or sperm cells. The germ cells are already forming in the yolk sac. They continue to develop within the genital organs.
A germ cell tumor therefore arises from germ cells. Copy multiplication plays an important role in this. Most germ cell tumors have an abnormal chromosome. These germ cell tumors often contain slightly more or slightly fewer chromosomes than average. It is more common in patients with Klinefelter syndrome. HIV patients are also at increased risk.
Where does it occur?
In most cases, a germ cell tumor occurs in the ovary (ovary) or testicle (in adults). It rarely occurs outside here, the germ cell tumor is often located in the abdominal cavity. Sometimes there are spreads (metastases). These are often first found in the lymph nodes, but can spread to all parts of the body. In babies and young children, a germ cell tumor is more common in the brain. In addition, it also occurs fairly often before the tailbone, especially in young children.
Symptoms
The most common complaint is abdominal pain. We especially see this in young children. With a germ cell tumor in the testicle, swelling is palpable. Ovarian pain occurs in women. Sometimes the production of sex hormones is stimulated by the germ cell tumor. This causes premature puberty (pubertas praecox).
A germ cell tumor in the brain will not immediately cause symptoms in a small form. As the tumor grows, the brain is pushed aside. This causes the function of the brain to decrease. This can cause eye problems, urinary incontinence, epilepsy, headaches, nausea and vomiting, behavioral changes, a rapidly growing head and hydrocephalus.
Diagnosis and treatment
The doctor will conduct an examination if there are any complaints. This may involve a physical examination, blood tests, but often a CT scan will also be made. An epidural puncture can also be made to remove fluid from the spinal cord. Tumor tissue will be removed and examined in the laboratory. Only then can the diagnosis be made with certainty.
Most germ cell tumors appear to be malignant. Testicular cancer is easily treatable, but with other forms of cancer (for example in the brain), treatment will give moderate to poor results. Treatment consists of removing the germ cell tumor, if possible. Chemotherapy and radiation are the most appropriate treatments. Hormone therapy can also be applied.
Life expectancy depends on the time of diagnosis and the location and size of the germ cell tumor. Of all men with testicular cancer, 95 percent are still alive after five years. This percentage decreases with a germ cell tumor in the brain. The chance that the tumor will return after treatment always remains. It is then determined whether a new treatment will take place or whether the growth of the tumor will be stopped.
