Germ cell tumor

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Germ cell tumour
Classification & external resources
ICD-10 C56., C62., D27., D29.2
ICD-9 183, 186, 220, 222.0
ICD-O: 9060-9100
eMedicine med/863 

Germ cell tumors are neoplasms derived from germ cells. In females, germ cell tumours account for 30% of ovarian tumours, but only 1 to 3% of ovarian cancers in North America. In younger women germ cell lesions are more common, thus in patients under the age of 21, 60% of ovarian tumours are of the germ cell type, and up to one-third are malignant. In males, germ cell tumours occur typically after puberty and are malignant (testicular cancer). Germ cell tumours may develop outside of the gonads.

Contents

[edit] Etiology

Some investigators suggest that this distribution arises as a consequence of abnormal migration of germ cells during embryogenesis. Others hypothesize a widespread distribution of germ cells to multiple sites during normal embryogenesis, with these cells conveying genetic information or providing regulatory functions at somatic sites.

Extragonadal germ cell tumors were thought initially to be isolated metastases from an undetected primary tumor in a gonad.

[edit] Classification

(ICD-O codes are provided where available.)

Classification of germ cell tumors is based on their histology, regardless of location in the body.

[edit] Benign

[edit] Malignant

[edit] Location

Despite their name, germ cell tumors occur both within and outside the ovary and testis.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links


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