Adult primary germ cell tumours outside the testes
Ben Ayed, F.; Droz, J.P.; Caillaud, J.M.; Amiel, J.L.
La Nouvelle Presse Medicale 10(17): 1389-1391
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-1518 PMID: 6262711 Document Number: 172061
Out of 78 male germ cell tumours treated between 1974 and 1979, 61 were carcinomas of the testis and 17 (20%) did not originate from that gland. Primary germ cell tumours outside the testes are not uncommon. They occupy with equal frequency the mediastinum or the retroperitoneal region. Germ cell tumours account for about 50% of isolated mediastinal tumours in young men. They are usually diagnosed at a late stage, with consequently poor prognosis. Assays of alpha-foetoprotein and human chorionic gonadotropin should be more frequently performed.