Embryonic carcinoma is a type of cancer that develops in germ cells and can occur in men, women, and children. If caught early, it responds well to chemotherapy and radiation. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, and patients may want to consider storing eggs or sperm for future use.
An embryonic carcinoma is a malignant growth that develops in the germ cells. These types of cancer can be seen in men, women and children and take many forms. If caught early, the prognosis for someone with embryonic carcinoma can be very good, as these tumors generally respond well to chemotherapy and radiation.
These malignant growths develop when the germ cells run amok. These cells are quite unique and specialized, designed to produce the gametes used in reproduction. As they start behaving erratically, they can form growths that can contain several layers of different types of cells, particularly in the case of a teratoma, which can include things like hair, cartilage, and parts of anatomical structures.
In men, embryonic carcinomas such as seminomas are often responsible for testicular cancer. If the cancer is allowed to grow, it can spread to other regions of the body. The equivalent cancer in women is known as a dysgerminoma. Other forms of embryonic carcinoma may include teratomas, choriocarcinomas, and carcinomas of the yolk sac or endodermal sinus, the latter being more common in young children.
These tumors are sometimes identified on screenings where there are abnormal hormone levels or during physical exams where palpation reveals the presence of an abnormal growth. A biopsy may be performed to take a closer look at the cells in the growth to determine what is causing the abnormality and to stage the cancer. If the cancer is embryonal carcinoma, treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
If a pathologist identifies the cancer as advanced, additional biopsies may be recommended to see how far it has spread. This is important for treatment, as it can determine which treatments are most appropriate and can be used to identify areas of the body that need monitoring. If, for example, embryonic carcinoma has spread to the lungs, it can complicate treatment, recovery and prognosis.
Treatment for an embryonal carcinoma may be supervised by an oncologist, who will work with other members of a medical team such as an interventional radiologist to develop an appropriate treatment plan for the patient. The specific details of treatment and recovery time when dealing with embryonic cancer can vary widely, and patients should ask about these issues when discussing treatment options. Patients who are concerned about fertility may also want to look into storing eggs or sperm for future use.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
