Is a Germinoma cancerous?
Germinomas are usually malignant (cancer) but tend to grow and spread slowly and can usually be cured. They are the most common type of central nervous system germ cell tumor. They usually occur in teenagers and young adults.
What type of tumor is a Germinoma?
A germinoma is a type of germ cell tumor commonly found in the brain. Germ cells typically migrate to the gonads during fetal development and become an egg in female ovaries or sperm in male testes.
What are germ cell tumors?
Germ cell tumors are growths of cells that form from reproductive cells. The tumors may be cancerous or not cancerous. Most germ cell tumors occur in the testicles or the ovaries. Some germ cell tumors occur in other areas of the body, such as the abdomen, brain and chest, though it’s not clear why.
Can germ cell tumors be benign?
Like tumors that form in other places in the body, germ cell tumors can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The most common types of germ cell tumors include: Teratomas. These tumors are benign, but can become malignant.
Is non seminoma malignant?
Testicular non-seminomatous giant cell tumor (NSGCT) is curable cancer. It can be managed ideally if the medical health providers know the knowledge of its pathophysiology and route of spread. It is a malignant but curable tumor if diagnosed and managed properly.
Can germ cell tumors spread?
Germ cell tumors can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. The most common sites for metastasis are the lungs, liver, lymph nodes, and central nervous system. Rarely, germ cell tumors can spread to the bone, bone marrow, and other organs.
Does germ cell tumors come back?
How do providers treat benign (noncancerous) ovarian germ cell tumors? Healthcare providers remove benign tumors surgically. Sometimes, they need to remove the ovary (or part of the ovary) when removing the tumor. Benign tumors rarely grow back after providers remove them.