Extracranial Germ Cell Tumors
        Stage I
        Stage II
        Stage III
        Stage IV
        Recurrent
Ovarian Germ Cell Tumor
        Stage I
        Stage II
        Stage III
        Stage IV
        Recurrent

Once a germ cell tumor is found (diagnosed), tests will be done to find out if the germ cell tumor is benign or malignant. If the tumor is malignant, more tests will be done to find out if the cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body (staging). In order to stage a germ cell tumor, the patient may undergo a surgical procedure. Knowing the stage of the disease will assist the doctor in effectively planning further treatment.

The following stages are used for all extracranial germ cell tumors:

Cancer has not spread from the tumor to surrounding tissues or lymph nodes and can be surgically removed with no cancer cells remaining.

Cancer has spread to surrounding tissues or lymph nodes, and surgery cannot remove all cancer cells from the surrounding tissues.

Cancer has spread to surrounding tissues, has affected several lymph nodes, is found in fluid in the abdomen, and surgery cannot remove the entire tumor from the surrounding tissues.

Cancer has spread to other organs in the body.

Recurrent disease means that the cancer has come back (recurred) after it has been treated. It may come back in the original site of the tumor or in another place.

The following stages are used for ovarian germ cell tumor:

Cancer is found in either one or both of the ovaries; it has not spread to the surrounding tissue. Tumor cells may be present in peritoneal (abdominal) fluid.

Cancer is found in one or both ovaries and has spread to the uterus, and/or the fallopian tubes (the pathway used by egg cells moving from the ovary to the uterus), and/or other body parts within the pelvis (bladder, rectum, vagina). Tumor cells may be present in abdominal fluid.

Cancer is found in one or both ovaries and has spread to lymph nodes or to other body parts inside the abdomen (outside of the pelvis), such as the surface of the liver or intestine.

Cancer is found in one or both ovaries and has spread outside the abdomen or has spread to the inside of the liver.

Recurrent disease means that the cancer has come back (recurred) after it has been treated. It may come back in the ovary or in another place.

Glossary Terms

The area of the body that contains the pancreas, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and other organs.

Having to do with the abdomen, which is the part of the body between the chest and the hips that contains the pancreas, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and other organs.

Not cancerous. Benign tumors may grow larger but do not spread to other parts of the body.

The organ that stores urine.

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord.

The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.

The process of identifying a disease, such as cancer, from its signs and symptoms.

A rare cancer that forms in germ cells in the testicle or ovary, or in germ cells that have traveled to areas of the body other than the brain (such as the chest, abdomen, or tailbone). Germ cells are reproductive cells that develop into sperm in males and eggs in females.

A slender tube through which eggs pass from an ovary to the uterus. In the female reproductive tract, there is one ovary and one fallopian tube on each side of the uterus.

Liquid.

A type of tumor that begins in the cells that give rise to sperm or eggs. Germ cell tumors can occur almost anywhere in the body and can be either benign or malignant.

The long, tube-shaped organ in the abdomen that completes the process of digestion. The intestine has two parts, the small intestine and the large intestine. Also called bowel.

A large organ located in the upper abdomen. The liver cleanses the blood and aids in digestion by secreting bile.

A rounded mass of lymphatic tissue that is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. Lymph nodes filter lymph (lymphatic fluid), and they store lymphocytes (white blood cells). They are located along lymphatic vessels. Also called lymph gland.

Cancerous. Malignant tumors can invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.

A part of the body that performs a specific function. For example, the heart is an organ.

An abnormal mass of tissue that forms in germ (egg) cells in the ovary (female reproductive gland in which the eggs are formed). These tumors usually occur in teenage girls or young women, usually affect just one ovary, and can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). The most common ovarian germ cell tumor is called dysgerminoma.

One of a pair of female reproductive glands in which the ova, or eggs, are formed. The ovaries are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus.

The lower part of the abdomen, located between the hip bones.

Having to do with the parietal peritoneum (the tissue that lines the abdominal wall and pelvic cavity) and visceral peritoneum (the tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdomen, including the intestines).

The last several inches of the large intestine closest to the anus.

Cancer that has recurred (come back), usually after a period of time during which the cancer could not be detected. The cancer may come back to the same place as the original (primary) tumor or to another place in the body. Also called recurrence.

The extent of a cancer in the body. Staging is usually based on the size of the tumor, whether lymph nodes contain cancer, and whether the cancer has spread from the original site to other parts of the body.

Performing exams and tests to learn the extent of the cancer within the body, especially whether the disease has spread from the original site to other parts of the body. It is important to know the stage of the disease in order to plan the best treatment.

A procedure to remove or repair a part of the body or to find out whether disease is present. An operation.

A group or layer of cells that work together to perform a specific function.

An abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Tumors may be benign (not cancerous), or malignant (cancerous). Also called neoplasm.

The small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis. This is the organ in which a baby grows. Also called womb.

The muscular canal extending from the uterus to the exterior of the body. Also called birth canal.