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extracranial germ cell tumor

(EK-struh-KRAY-nee-ul jerm sel TOO-mer)
A type of tumor that begins in germ cells (cells that form sperm or eggs) that are found in areas of the body other than the brain. These areas include the ovary, testicle, chest, abdomen, and tailbone. Extracranial germ cell tumors may be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). Extracranial germ cell tumors are most common in children and teenagers and can usually be cured.
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Extracranial germ cell tumor; drawing shows parts of the body where extracranial germ cell tumors may form, including the head and neck, mediastinum (the area between the lungs, shown in blue), retroperitoneum (the area behind the abdominal organs, shown in red), sacrum, coccyx, testicles (in males), and ovaries (in females). Also shown are the heart and peritoneum.Enlarge this image in new window
Extracranial germ cell tumors form in parts of the body other than the brain. This includes the testicles, ovaries, sacrum (lower part of the spine), coccyx (tailbone), mediastinum (area between the lungs), retroperitoneum (the back wall of the abdomen), and the head and neck.
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