Germ Cell Cancer
There Are Two Types Of Germ Cell Cancer
Extragonadal Germ Cell Tumors: these develop from cells in the gonads then move throughout the body
* usually occur in the lower spinal column and the center of the chest
These tumors generally occur in younger people from ages 3-30
Symptoms
pain in the effected area
coughing and wheezing
solid mass or lump
Tests and Diagnosis
Imaging tests including ultrasounds, MRIs and CT scans can detect the cancer as well
STAGES
Stage 1: tumor is completely removed by surgery (90% cure rate)
* no chemotherapy needed
Stage 2: tumor is removed with a few cancer cells left behind (90% cure rate)
* chemo three days a week for three cycles
Stage 3: tumor has spread to the lymph nodes (87% cure rate)
* chemo three days a week for three cycles
Stage 4: tumor has spread throughout the body (82% cure rate)
* chemo three days a week for four cycles
Very few have long lasting side effects from the treatment
Cause
Family History, Exposure to Carcinogenic substances, and Genetics are all possible risk factors for Germ Cell Cancer
* prenatal estrogen exposure is a carcinogen
treatments
The more common of the treatments for this particular cancer is first surgery then next, chemotherapy
There are a few clinical trials for germ cell cancer including one which gives lower doses and fewer cycles of chemo after surgery for malignant ovarian germ cell cancers