Extragonadal Germ Cell Tumors
Definition
Germ cells are primitive cells within the body that normally mature into ova (egg) or sperm cells. More than 90% of all germ cell tumors are gonadal; that is, they develop in the ovaries or the testes (the gonads). The remaining 5-10% of germ cell tumors arise outside of the gonads: these are the extragonadal germ cell tumors. These tumors occur mostly in the chest, lower back, and head.
Description
Extragonadal germ cell tumors are related to developmental problems that occur prior to birth. In the growing embryo, germ cells migrate to the immature ovaries or testes. In some instances, these cells fail to move to the...
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