A germ cell tumor or yolk sac tumor is a rare disorder affecting children. It is a form of malignant tumor of cells which line the yolk sac of the embryo. Normally, these cells become testes or ovaries. This tumor can also occur in the brain or the chest area. Yolk sac tumors are denoted by various terms, namely, germ cell tumors, embryonal carcinoma or teratomas. The exact cause of this tumor is unknown and is usually found in children below 1-2 years.
Symptoms and signs This tumor is often observed in the ovary, testes, or the sacrococcygeal area (bottom of spine). Within the testes, the tumor is a visible, painless, firm swelling. In the ovary, it is not that visible and the tumor can become very large before being noticed. In the sacrococcygeal area, it is seen as a swelling of the buttocks, often mistaken for a bruise or infection. Diagnosis These cancer cells secrete specific…
