Germ cell tumors
Germ cell tumors
Germ cell tumors (pronunciation: /dʒɜːrm sɛl ˈtjuːmər/) are a type of neoplasm that originate from germ cells. Germ cells are cells that give rise to gametes, or sex cells, in organisms that reproduce sexually.
Etymology
The term "germ cell" is derived from the German word "Keimzelle", where "Keim" means "germ" or "seed" and "Zelle" means "cell". The term "tumor" comes from the Latin word "tumere", which means "to swell".
Types of Germ Cell Tumors
Germ cell tumors can be classified into several types, including:
- Seminoma: A type of germ cell tumor that occurs in the testis.
- Dysgerminoma: A type of germ cell tumor that occurs in the ovary.
- Embryonal carcinoma: A highly malignant germ cell tumor that can occur in both the testis and ovary.
- Yolk sac tumor: A rare type of germ cell tumor that usually occurs in children.
- Teratoma: A type of germ cell tumor that can contain several different types of tissue.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The diagnosis of germ cell tumors typically involves a combination of medical imaging, biopsy, and tumor marker tests. Treatment options for germ cell tumors include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Prognosis
The prognosis for germ cell tumors varies widely depending on the type of tumor, the stage at which it is diagnosed, and the patient's overall health. However, many germ cell tumors, particularly those that occur in the testis, have a good prognosis with appropriate treatment.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Germ cell tumors
- Wikipedia's article - Germ cell tumors
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