Introduction
Germ cell tumors are rare and affect people of all ages, but they’re more common in men than women. The most common type is testicular cancer, which makes up about 50% of all germ cell tumors, followed by seminomas (30%) and nonseminomas (20%). Germ cell tumors can also occur outside the testicles, including in the ovaries or abdomen.
Germ cell tumor is also called GCT.
Germ cell tumors are also called germ cell cancers and GCTs. These cancers arise in germ cells and may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Germ cells are found in the testes, ovaries, and other tissues of both men and women. In men, they’re called seminomas; in women, they’re called dysgerminomas.
GCTs can be rare, cause a lot of pain, and spread to other parts of the body.
GCTs are rare, but they can be painful. They can also spread to other parts of the body and require surgery to remove them. GCTs aren’t cancerous; they are just abnormal growths that require surgery to remove.
The top two most common types are medullary and embryonal.
The most common types in the US are medullary and embryonal. Medullary is more common in women and is often diagnosed after menopause when hormone levels change. Embryonal tumors are found in young adults, though both types can occur at any age.
Germ cell tumors occur in any part of the body, but the testicles are most commonly affected.
- The testicles are the most common site of germ cell tumors, followed in order of frequency by the ovaries, uterus and vagina. Germ cell tumors can also occur in other parts of the body including the brain and spinal cord.
Germ cell tumors aren’t cancer – they’re just abnormal growths that require surgery to remove.
Germ cell tumors aren’t cancerous, but they can be fatal. They’re abnormal growths that require surgery to remove. The surgery is done by a urologist and/or gynecologist, depending on the location of the tumor. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy might also be necessary to treat germ cell tumors.
Germ cell cancers are uncommon and treatable in younger people, so talk to your doctor if you’re under 40, or have another health condition like anemia or diabetes.
If you are under 40 and have testicular cancer, it’s important to talk to your doctor. Your doctor will examine the lump and ask questions about any symptoms you may be having.
In Canada, germ cell cancers are rare in young people. If you’re concerned about a lump or bump in your testicles, talk to your doctor right away. For people with germ cell tumours that are found early, treatment is usually successful.
