Childhood Germ Cell Tumors

One way to classify germ cell tumors is based on where they form. Most malignant germ cell tumors are gonadal, meaning they’re in either the ovaries or testes. They can also form in the brain’s pineal gland, near the pituitary gland. Other places they form include the:

• Back
• Coccyx, or tailbone
• Mediastinum, the area between the lungs
• Neck
• Sacrum, a large bone in the lower spine that forms part of the pelvis

Germ cell tumors are also defined by how they look under a microscope and/or the hormones they produce.

Teratomas are usually benign, but some are malignant. Teratomas of the tail bone are the most common germ cell tumor found in children, and are about four times more common in girls than in boys.

Germinomas make the beta-human chorionic gonadotropin hormone. Those that form in the ovaries are called dysgerminomas, while ones in the testes are seminomas. They can also appear outside the ovaries or testes. In these cases, they’re simply called germinomas.

Non-germinomas include:

• Yolk sac tumors, also known as endodermal sinus tumors. They can form in the ovaries, testes or other parts of the body. They are the most common type of testicular cancer in infants and children.
• Embryonal carcinoma. These are malignant and most commonly found in the testicles, but can spread to other parts of the body.
• Gonadoblastomas, which are rare, almost always benign tumors associated with abnormal development of the reproductive organs.
• Polyembryomas. They are a very rare, aggressive type of germ cell tumor that is usually found in the ovaries.

Childhood germ cell tumors risk factors

There are several factors that seem to increase the risk of a child developing a germ cell tumor.

Certain genetic conditions are tied to increased risk for specific types of germ cell tumors:

• Klinefelter syndrome may increase a person’s chances of developing a tumor in the mediastinum, the area between the lungs.
• Swyer syndrome may increase a person’s chance of developing a germ cell tumor in the ovaries or testicles.
• Turner syndrome may increase the risk of ovarian germ cell tumors.

In addition, having an undescended testicle increases the odds of a male developing a testicular germ cell tumor.

A family history of germ cell tumors also increases the chance that someone will develop a germ cell tumor.

In rare cases, childhood germ cell tumors can be passed down from one generation to the next. Genetic counseling may be right for you. Visit our genetic testing page to learn more.

Learn more about childhood germ cell tumors:

• Childhood germ cell tumor symptoms
• Childhood germ cell tumor diagnosis
• Childhood germ cell tumor treatment

Why choose MD Anderson for your germ cell tumor treatment?

At MD Anderson's Children's Cancer Hospital, we know your child's health and well being are your number one concern. Our renowned experts customize your child's care for childhood germ cell tumors, utilizing the most advanced treatments and techniques with the least impact on your child's growing body. As part of one of the world's most active cancer centers, Children's Cancer Hospital has remarkable experience and skill in these types of cancer. This can make a difference in your child's outcome.

Customized care

A team of specially trained physicians follows your child throughout treatment, all the way to survivorship. They communicate closely with each other, and with you, to ensure comprehensive, personalized care. They are supported by full complement of health care professionals dedicated to your child's treatment, including nurses, physician assistants, therapists and others.

Children's Cancer Hospital offers clinical trials for innovative new treatments for soft tissue sarcoma. Behind the scenes we are working on groundbreaking basic science research to change the future of pediatric cancer.

Treating the whole child

Children's Cancer Hospital is designed just for children, with a full range of services and amenities that help make the child and family's experience as comfortable as possible. We go beyond medical care to deliver a comprehensive experience that treats the whole child.

And at Children's Cancer Hospital, your child benefits from the resources and expertise of one of the nation's top cancer centers.