Germ cells are the cells that develop into sperm and eggs.
Germ cell tumours (GCT) usually develop within the ovaries or testes, called gonadal germ cell tumours.
However, germ cell tumours can also occur in other parts of the body.
As a baby develops in the womb, the germ cells usually move to the ovaries or testes. But sometimes they fail to migrate to their proper location and settle in other parts of the body, where they can develop into tumours.
These are called extragonadal germ cell tumours. The most common places for these tumours to occur are at the bottom of the spine, the brain, chest and abdomen.
Germ cells tumours are rare, affecting around 45 children every year in the UK – around three per cent of all childhood cancers.
The overall survival rate for children diagnosed with germ cell tumours is 93 per cent.
Gonadal germ cell tumours now have a survival rate of 99 per cent.
Symptoms
The symptoms depend on where the tumour develops, but usually a lump appears that can either be felt or leads to other problems such as chest or abdominal pain.
The tumour may press on adjacent structures, such as the bladder causing excessive urination.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the stage of thr tumour. The principal treatment for germ cell tumours is surgery, except where the tumour is in the brain or spinal cord.
In cases where the tumour has spread, or if it cannot be easily or completely removed, chemotherapy will be given before and after surgery. Germ cell tumours are very sensitive to chemotherapy.
