Childhood extracranial germ cell tumors form from germ cells in parts of the body other than the brain.
Childhood extracranial germ cell tumors may be benign or malignant.
Childhood extracranial germ cell tumors are grouped as gonadal or extragonadal extracranial tumors.
- Gonadal germ cell tumors
- Extragonadal extracranial germ cell tumors
There are three types of extracranial germ cell tumors.
- Teratomas
- Malignant germ cell tumors
- Mixed germ cell tumors
The cause of most childhood extracranial germ cell tumors is unknown.
Having certain inherited disorders can increase the risk of extracranial germ cell tumors.
Signs of childhood extracranial germ cell tumors depend on where the tumor formed in the body.
Imaging studies and blood tests are used to diagnose childhood extracranial germ cell tumors.
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.