Diseases

Germ Cell Tumors

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A germ cell tumor (gct) is a neoplasm derived from germ cells. Germ Cell tumors can be cancerous or non-cancerous tumors. Germ Cells normally occur inside the gonads (ovary and testis).Germ Cell tumors that originate outside the gonads may be birth defects resulting from errors during development of the embryo.

SYMPTOMS

Malignant mediastinum tumors may cause chest pain, breathing problems,cough and fever. Presacral Tumors — these tumors are located in the area above or in front of the sacral bone of the hip. A malignant presacral germ cell tumor usually appears as a mass in the lower abdomen or buttocks of an infant or young child.

CAUSES

Specifically, males with cryptorchidism (failure of the testes to descend into the scrotal sac) have an increased risk to develop testicular germ cell tumors.Cryptorchidism can Occur alone, however, and is also present in some genetic syndromes.