Germ Cell Tumors – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Germ cell tumors develop from reproductive cells that normally become eggs in females and sperm in males. These growths typically occur in the ovaries or testicles.
However, in rare cases, they can appear in other body locations such as the abdomen, chest, or brain. These unusual locations are called extragonadal germ cell tumors, though the cause of their formation outside the reproductive organs remains unclear.
Not all germ cell tumors are cancerous. Some remain benign, while others may develop into malignant tumors requiring treatment.
Signs and Symptoms
Germ cell tumors show different signs based on where they grow in the body. These signs often happen when the growing tumor pushes against nearby tissues or organs.
For ovarian germ cell tumors, common symptoms include:
- Pelvic pain
- Back pain
- Bloating
- Swelling in the abdomen
For testicular germ cell tumors, patients might experience:
- Swelling in the testicle
- Pain in the testicle or scrotum
- A noticeable lump in the testicle (most common sign)
For mediastinal germ cell tumors (in the chest), signs may include:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Cough or shortness of breath
- Swelling in the neck or face due to pressure on blood vessels
For intracranial (brain or spine) germ cell tumors, symptoms can involve:
- Headaches, especially in the morning
- Nausea and vomiting
- Vision or hormonal changes
- Problems with balance or coordination
When germ cell tumors spread or affect other parts of the body, general symptoms may appear, such as:
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever
- Night sweats
Some tumors may not cause noticeable signs until they reach a more advanced stage.
Causes
Germ cell tumors start in the cells that become eggs in ovaries or sperm in testicles. Scientists don’t fully understand why these tumors form, but DNA changes play a key role.
In healthy cells, DNA acts like an instruction manual. It tells cells when to grow, divide, and die. This creates a balanced system where new cells replace old ones at the right time.
When DNA changes occur in germ cells, the instructions get altered. These changes can make cells:
- Grow and multiply too quickly
- Live longer than they should
- Form masses that press against nearby tissues
- Sometimes become cancerous
DNA mutations in germ cells can lead to two main issues:
- Formation of tumor masses that put pressure on surrounding organs
- Development of cancer cells that can invade healthy tissue
In more serious cases, these abnormal cells break away from their original location and travel to other body parts, a process called metastasis.
The exact trigger for these DNA changes remains unknown, which makes prevention challenging.
Risk Factors
There are certain factors that might increase the chance of developing germ cell tumors:
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Age Considerations:
- Germ cell tumors typically affect younger individuals
- Ovarian germ cell tumors are more common in people under 20 years old
- Testicular germ cell tumors most frequently occur between ages 15-35
-
Undescended Testicle (Cryptorchidism):
- When a testicle doesn’t naturally move down into the scrotum before birth
- This condition increases the risk of developing a germ cell tumor in the affected testicle
Medical research has not yet identified any specific prevention methods for germ cell tumors.
For those with risk factors like undescended testicles, healthcare providers may suggest more frequent monitoring. However, having risk factors doesn’t mean someone will definitely develop a germ cell tumor.
Many people with these risk factors never develop these tumors, while others without known risk factors might.
