Germinoma is a cancerous growth that can occur in the brain, ovaries, or testicles, arising from germ cells. It is classified as a germ cell tumor and can lead to symptoms such as headaches, vomiting, and blurred vision. Treatment includes radiation therapy and chemotherapy, with a good prognosis if caught early.
A germinoma is a cancerous growth that can present as a brain tumor, ovarian dysgerminoma, or testicular seminoma. In the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) jargon used by physicians and researchers, however, it actually refers to any malignant tumor of the brain, ovaries, testicles, and mediastinum that arises from germ cells. As a group, these tumors are classified as germinomatous or seminomatous tumors.
The germ cell origin of a germinoma is why it is classified as a germ cell tumor (GCT). Germ cells, or primordial cells, are able to divide and differentiate or specialize into other cells. Primordial cells can differentiate into muscle cells, heart cells, skin cells, and brain cells. Normally, primordial germ cells allow an embryo to increase in size and become a fully developed human being. Primordial cells migrate to different organs and become fully differentiated.
Primordial cells, however, can remain due to an error in migration or a mutation that causes non-differentiation. The body cannot control the unlimited ability of these primordial cells to multiply, thus leading to the development of a malignant tumor. Immediate treatment is needed after a germinoma is diagnosed due to the possibility of it spreading or metastasizing.
The location of a germinoma determines what symptoms an affected person will present to the doctor. If the tumor is located within the patient’s skull, such as in the pineal gland, hypothalamus, or thalamus of the brain, the patient usually complains of a frequent urge to vomit, blurred vision, and headaches. Other symptoms this patient may experience include excessive sweating, loss of appetite, irritability, restlessness, and trouble walking or walking. Cerebral germinoma is a common case in pediatrics.
This type of cancer can also be found in the ovary of female adolescents and young adults – in fact, it is the most common type of gynecological germ cell cancer. In one tenth of patients, both ovaries are involved, while in another tenth, one ovary has a grossly visible tumor and the other has a microscopic tumor. Among men, seminoma is considered the second most common type of testicular cancer.
A germinoma in the brain is easily treated with radiation therapy of the brain and spine, with optional chemotherapy. This is why it is sometimes compared to a benign tumor. Data shows that children with brain germinoma have a 90% survival rate when they undergo proper treatment. Dysgerminoma and seminoma are treated with surgical removal, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy and have a good prognosis if caught early.
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