Germ cell tumor

Diagnosis

A brief history taking and physical examination will be conducted by the doctor, to evaluate for germ cell tumor. The physician may advise to carry out any of the following examinations or procedures:

• Computerized tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan creates a digital, three-dimensional image of the bones and soft tissues by combining several X-ray images of the inside of the body. The site of a tumor might be seen on a CT scan of the chest, abdomen, or pelvis.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A digital image of the body’s bone and soft tissue is created by an MRI using radio waves and magnets. An MRI can reveal the location of the tumor, just like a CT scan.
• Ultrasound: The internal organ of the body can be visualized by ultrasound using sound waves and can determine a tumor’s solid mass or cystic component helping to distinguish between a cyst and a germ cell tumor.
• Bone scans: A bone scan involves taking X-rays of the bones after the patient taken a particular dye that shows abnormalities. If the bones are being affected by a malignancy, a bone scan can reveal this.
• PET scan: A tracer that is used in a PET scan can be used to locate cancer cells within the body. A PET scan can reveal the spread of cancer.
• Biopsy: A tissue from the tumor is taken out and sent to a laboratory for analysis. Pathologist examines the sample under a microscope to properly diagnose germ cell tumor.
• Blood tests: To measure the levels of enzymes, proteins, or hormones in the blood, the healthcare recommended that the patient undergo some blood test. Certain types of germ cell cancers may be detected by elevated levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a-fetoprotein (AFP), and lactate dehydrogenase.

If cases that the tumor has developed and became malignant then the affected organ will be surgically removed.

Treatment

• Surgery: Germ cell tumors are typically treated by surgery. The doctor may perform an ovarian cystectomy to remove the tumor from the affected ovary, or an ovarian and fallopian tube removal (salpingo-oophorectomy).

The doctor will remove the testicle that has the tumor if you have testicular cancer.
A diagnosis for testicular cancer usually includes a radical inguinal orchiectomy, which involves removing your whole testis. The doctor can examine the tissue and administer treatment after removing the testicle.

• Chemotherapy: The majority of germ cell tumor types can be effectively treated with chemotherapy. Drugs are used in chemotherapy to either kill cancer cells or stop them from multiplying. If the tumor cannot be safely removed or if it has migrated to other areas of the body, the patient may be given chemotherapy. Even if the cancer cells are not visible on imaging, chemotherapy may be administered after surgery to remove any cancer cells that may still be present.
• Radiation therapy:  High-energy X-rays are directed at cancer cells during radiation therapy to eradicate them. Radiation therapy works best for some forms of germ cell cancers.