Germ Cell Tumors

Sometimes, these cells can develop tumors. While babies with genetic conditions such as extra or missing sex chromosomes or testes that do not descend into the scrotum are more at risk for developing germ cell tumors, there is no clear cause for the condition. The chance of your child developing a germ cell tumor is small. According to the American Cancer Society, roughly four percent of childhood cancers are germ cell tumors.

Germ cell tumors can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Most germ cell tumors occur in the ovaries or testicles, but they may also be found in other areas of the body, including the head, chest, abdomen, pelvis or lower back area.

Rarely, germ cell tumors can metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body. Common sites for metastasis include the lungs, liver, lymph nodes and central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

Symptoms of germ cell tumors are different for each child, because tumors can develop in so many areas of the body.

The most common symptoms of germ cell tumors include:

• A swelling or mass that your child’s doctor can feel or see
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation, urinary retention, incontinence and leg weakness caused by a tumor in the sacrum (bottom of the spinal column) pressing against nerves or organs
• Development of pubic hair, breast enlargement or vaginal bleeding at a young age
• Elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
• Elevated levels of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG)
• Wheezing or shortness of breath caused by a tumor pressing against the lungs

These symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions, so it is important for your child to be seen by a doctor when he or she has unusual symptoms or a growth you can see or feel.

Diagnosis of Germ Cell Tumors

The doctor will review your child's complete medical history and perform a physical exam. If a germ cell tumor is suspected, he or she may order several diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis, including:

• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• X-ray
• Ultrasound (also called sonography)
• Bone scans
• Blood tests such as:
  • A chemistry panel
  • Kidney and liver function tests (to look for elevated enzyme levels that may indicate abnormal function of these organs)
  • A complete blood count (CBC) test
  • A tumor marker test (looks for chemicals in the blood that may indicate the kind of tumor)
• Genetic tests
• Biopsy (sample of tissue taken and examined under a microscope)