Concept

Germinoma

Summary
A germinoma is a type of germ-cell tumor, which is not differentiated upon examination. It may be benign or malignant. Germinomas are thought to originate from an error of development, when certain primordial germ cells fail to migrate properly. Germinomas lack histologic differentiation, whereas nongerminomatous germ-cell tumors display a variety of differentiation. Like other germ-cell tumors, germinomas can undergo malignant transformation. The tumor is uniform in appearance, consisting of large, round cells with vesicular nuclei and clear or finely granular cytoplasm that is eosinophilic. On gross examination, the external surface is smooth and bosselated (knobby), and the interior is soft, fleshy, and either cream-coloured, gray, pink, or tan. Microscopic examination typically reveals uniform cells that resemble primordial germ cells. Typically, the stroma contains lymphocytes, and about 20% of patients have sarcoid-like granulomas. Metastasis has been noted in about 22% of cases at time of diagnosis. Males are roughly twice as commonly affected in developing germinomas. They are most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 10 and 21. Often, serum and spinal fluid tumor markers of alpha-fetoprotein and beta-HCG are tested. Pure germinomas are not associated with these markers. Nongerminomatous germ-cell tumors may be associated with increased markers such as alpha-fetoprotein with yolk sac tumors, as well as embryonic cell carcinomas and immature teratomas and beta-HCG, which occur in choriocarcinomas. In one to 15% of germinomas, a low level of beta-HCG may be produced. Although controversial, HCG-secreting germinomas may be more aggressive than nonsecreting ones. The term "germinoma" most often refers to a tumor in the brain that has a histology identical to two other tumors, dysgerminoma in the ovary and seminoma in the testis. Since 1994, MeSH has defined germinoma as "a malignant neoplasm of the germinal tissue of the gonads, mediastinum, or pineal region" and within its scope included both dysgerminoma and seminoma.
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Ontological neighbourhood
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2021

Transsphenoidal resection for pituitary adenoma in elderly versus younger patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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Seminoma
A seminoma is a germ cell tumor of the testicle or, more rarely, the mediastinum or other extra-gonadal locations. It is a malignant neoplasm and is one of the most treatable and curable cancers, with a survival rate above 95% if discovered in early stages. Testicular seminoma originates in the germinal epithelium of the seminiferous tubules. About half of germ cell tumors of the testicles are seminomas. Treatment usually requires removal of one testicle. However, fertility usually isn't affected.
Embryonal carcinoma
Embryonal carcinoma is a relatively uncommon type of germ cell tumour that occurs in the ovaries and testes. The presenting features may be a palpable testicular mass or asymmetric testicular enlargement in some cases. The tumour may present as signs and symptoms relating to the presence of widespread metastases, without any palpable lump in the testis. The clinical features associated with metastasising embryonal carcinoma may include low back pain, dyspnoea, cough, haemoptysis, haematemesis and neurologic abnormalities.
Tumor marker
A tumor marker is a biomarker found in blood, urine, or body tissues that can be elevated by the presence of one or more types of cancer. There are many different tumor markers, each indicative of a particular disease process, and they are used in oncology to help detect the presence of cancer. An elevated level of a tumor marker can indicate cancer; however, there can also be other causes of the elevation (false positive values). Tumor markers can be produced directly by the tumor or by non-tumor cells as a response to the presence of a tumor.
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