Germ cell tumors are cancers that arise from reproductive organs but most commonly affect the ovary and testicles.
Female
Ovarian germ cell tumors occur when cancer develops in the cells in the ovary responsible for producing eggs. A more common type of ovarian cancer develops in the cells lining the ovary. Ovarian germ cell cancer is more likely to be diagnosed in adolescent and young women. The condition is difficult to diagnose in its early stages because there are few symptoms. Abdominal bloating and unexplained vaginal bleeding are the most common symptoms. Ovarian germ cell tumors are diagnosed by internal pelvic examination, during which physicians check for changes in the ovaries; they will also perform blood and urine tests. Ultrasound and CT scans may also be used. Treatment of ovarian germ cell tumors depends on the stage of the disease but most likely includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, either alone or in combination.
Male
Testicular cancer accounts for only 1 to 2 percent of all cancers in men. However, it is the most common cancer in young men between the ages of 15 and 34. Risk for the disease is higher in men with undescended testicles. Germ cell tumors affect the cells responsible for producing sperm and account for 95 percent of all testicular cancers. Symptoms include a lump or painful swelling in the testicle. Physicians confirm the diagnosis through a physical examination combined with ultrasound and biopsy of the tissue. Radionuclide scanning, a procedure in which radioactive dye is injected into a vein and is then taken up by cancerous tumors, making them more identifiable, may also be performed. Treatment includes surgical removal of the testicle and surrounding tissue (a procedure called an orchiectomy) and, depending on the stage of the disease, may also include chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This disease is one of the most successfully cured cancers when diagnosed.
