Breast Cancer Essay Research Paper Germ Cell

Breast Cancer Essay, Research Paper

Germ Cell Tumors

Germ cell tumors are formed from egg-making cells within the ovaries. They represent

approximately 3% of all ovarian cancers in Western countries. Germ cell tumors tend to

occur in young women, with a peak incidence among individuals who are in their early 20s.

Like testicular cancer, these tumors usually are very curable. In addition, they are

associated with specific markers (proteins) that are released into the blood, such as

beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (x-HCG) and alpha fetoprotein (AFP). After germ cell

tumors have been treated, the physician may conduct blood tests for x-HCG and/or AFP, to

determine whether the cancer is recurring (returning) (see also Treatment of Ovarian

Cancer).

Unlike patients with common epithelial tumors, 75% of whom are Stage 3 or 4 at diagnosis,

between 60% and 70% of patients with germ cell tumors are Stage 1; most remaining

patients are Stage 3 (Stages 2 and 4 are relatively rare for this tumor type) (see also

Ovarian Cancer Staging).

Germ cell tumors are divided into dysgerminomas and nondysgerminomatous types.

Dysgerminoma is the most common germ cell tumor, representing nearly one-half

of all cases. This tumor has been likened to the male testicular cancer known as

seminoma. A vast majority (some 80%) of dysgerminomas affect women younger

than 30, and roughly 20% of such tumors are diagnosed during pregnancy.

Nondysgerminomatous tumors are less common than dysgerminomas. Tumors in

this category include embryonal carcinoma, a very malignant, primitive form of

carcinoma; immature teratoma, a tumor made up of different tissues that are not

normally found in the ovary; choriocarcinoma, malignant tumor of the placental

epithelium; polyembryoma, a tumor formed from embryonic cells; and mixed germ