Germ Cell Tumors Treatment in Delhi, India

Germ cell tumors are tumours or uncontrolled cell growth in the germ cells, i.e. the cells that are present in the ovaries in girls and testes in boys. They have nothing to do with germs as germ cells mean germination cells and thus the name. These are the tumors found in the testis or ovary.

Germ Cell Tumours Causes

The exact cause for germ cell tumours is unknown, but cases suggest that:

• Patients with genetic disorders that cause missing or extra sex chromosome
• Birth defects that involve complications in the central nervous system, spine, urinary tract, and genitals
• Patients with undescended testes i.e., when the testes remain in the pelvis and are unable to move down naturally.

Germ Cell Tumours Symptoms

• Pain in the chest or the belly region
• A mass or formation on ovaries or testicles
• Trouble in urinating or passing stool if the tumour growth is near the pelvis
• Growth of breasts, pubic hair or vaginal bleeding at an earlier age than normal
• Swollen abdomen without weight gain in other parts of the body
• Pain in abdomen
• The size or the shape of the testicles is irregular
• Shortness of breath or wheezing if the tumour in the chest while pressing on the lungs.

Stages of Germ Cell Tumours

Germ cell tumours can be staged in four stages depending on the progression of the tumor

Stage I

This stage can be cured by chemotherapy or surgery

Stage II

In this stage, tumor is resected, but a small number of cells are left behind

Stage III

In this stage, the tumor spreads to lymph nodes

Stage IV

In this stage, tumor spreads to the lung or liver or other locations and becomes life-threatening with low success rates.

Germ Cell Tumours Diagnosis

Typical tests for the detection of germ cell tumor include a pelvic exam where the doctor checks for any presence of the tumor. Other tests include biopsy and imaging techniques such as X-Ray, ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI scans.

There are several tests available to identify the severity and detection of the tumour. They are:

Biopsy

Biopsy is a technique where the doctor takes the sample of the concerned tissue and tumour formation. This technique is effective as it gives accurate results of tumour growth in the body.

Blood tests

Blood tests to analyze the conditions of the patient and check if the vitals are okay before performing any further tests. These are done to check the functionality of vital organs, such as kidneys, liver, heart, lungs etc.

Imagining techniques

Imagining techniques are also there for a detailed understanding of the tumour. These include X-Ray, Ultrasound, CT scan and MRI scans.

Germ Cell Tumors Treatment

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are also available for critical stage tumours.

Risk Factors of Germ Cell Tumours

• Age is a huge risk factor as with age our body loses its ability to heal. Patients in the higher age group are more prone to complications.
• Existing medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity and other critical organ diseases can lead to complications and cause hindrance in treatment.
• Genetic conditions and autoimmune diseases are a major threat for people diagnosed with cancer.

Germ Cell Tumours Preventions

Primary prevention of Germ Cell Tumours

There is no such primary prevention therapy when it comes to tumors, as they are formed from various external stimuli and pinpointing the factor can be difficult. Many factors are not in our control such as genetic conditions. However, if detected at an early stage, a complete cure of the tumour is possible.

Secondary prevention of Germ Cell Tumours

Once the tumor is detected there are various drugs to treat the tumor and in extensive progression, surgery is the best option. Drugs such as bleomycin, cisplatin, etoposide, and ifosfamide can be administered by doctors.

Complications of Germ Cell Tumours

Complications start majorly when metastasis has begun. Metastasis is the migration of cancerous cells to the other parts of the body and thus affecting the kidney, liver, lungs, central nervous system, etc. Rarely has seen that malignant cells have invaded the bone marrow.

Epidemiology of Germ Cell Tumours

• Germ cell tumors are common worldwide with cases around a hundred thousand.
• Germ cell tumors are found to be most active in people ages 15 to 39.
• People with genetic diseases or hereditary cancer diseases are more prone to this disease.

Prognosis of Germ Cell Tumours

The outcome of the disease depends on several factors, such as age, location of the tumor, size of the tumor, the severity of the tumor, and the acceptability of the body to the treatment and medications. Mostly in case of higher-level tumor formation, it is advised to have some follow-up treatments so that the health is always in check and there is no relapse in any form.

Natural progression of Germ Cell Tumours

If the tumor is left untreated and if it is malignant in nature, the tumor will keep on increasing with size and severity. At stages III and IV the malignant cells will breach the bloodstream and lymph nodes which will cause the malignant cells to flow to vital organs such as the liver and kidney. Then the vital organs will start getting affected and become cancerous. The patient will lose health rapidly and ultimately, it’ll lead to a very painful death.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a germ cell tumour?

It is the tumour arising from germ cells/primary stem cells.

2. What is the most common germ cell tumour in males?

The most common germ cell tumour is testicular germ cell tumour. It can occur in two main forms: seminomas and non-seminomas. Seminomas are more common in older age groups, while non-seminomas are typically diagnosed at a younger age.

3. What is the most common germ cell tumour in females?

The second most common germ cell tumour is an ovarian germ cell tumour, which arises in the ovaries of females. It includes subtypes such as teratomas, yolk sac tumours, and dysgerminomas.

4. How long does the treatment for germ cell tumours typically last?

The duration of treatment for germ cell tumours depends on various factors, including the type and stage of the tumour. Treatment can range from a few months to several months, involving surgery, chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation therapy.

5. Are there any alternative or complementary treatments for germ cell tumours?

Alternative or complementary treatments to support their overall well-being can include practices like acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, and mind-body techniques such as meditation or yoga. It's important to note that while these approaches may provide supportive care and help manage treatment side effects.

6. What is the most aggressive germ cell tumour?

The most aggressive germ cell tumour is an embryonal carcinoma. It has a higher tendency to spread and can be more challenging to treat compared to other types of germ cell tumours.

7. Can germ cell tumours occur in locations other than the urology region?

Yes, germ cell tumours can occur in locations other than the urology region. They can arise in the mediastinum (central chest), retroperitoneum (back of the abdomen), and other extragonadal sites.

8. What are the long-term effects or potential complications of germ cell tumour treatment?

The long-term effects and potential complications of germ cell tumour treatment can vary depending on the type of treatment received. Common long-term effects may include infertility, hormonal imbalances, cardiovascular risks, and secondary cancers.