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extragonadal germ cell tumor

(EK-struh-goh-NA-dul jerm sel TOO-mer)
A rare cancer that develops in germ cells that are found in areas of the body other than the ovary or testicle (such as the brain, chest, abdomen, or tailbone). Germ cells are reproductive cells that develop into sperm in males and eggs in females.
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Extragonadal germ cell tumor; drawing shows parts of the body where extragonadal germ cell tumors may form, including the pineal gland in the brain, the mediastinum (the area between the lungs), and the retroperitoneum (the area behind the abdominal organs). Also shown are the heart and peritoneum.Enlarge this image in new window
Extragonadal germ cell tumors form in parts of the body other than the gonads (testicles or ovaries). This includes the pineal gland in the brain, the mediastinum (area between the lungs), and retroperitoneum (the back wall of the abdomen).
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