Germ cell tumours occur mostly in the area above the pituitary gland (pituitary pit) or in the pineal region of the brain. There are two types of germ cell tumours: germ cell tumours and sperm cells. The most common type is germ cell tumours. About 60% to 70% of germ cell tumours are pure.
Germ cell germs are not seminal
Germ cell tumours are sometimes called mixed malignant germ cell tumours. Also known as “secretory tumour” because secrete a compound called alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). Unfermented germ cell tumours also affect a hormone called hCG above 50 IU / I. The term around germless germ cell tumours can be very complex and confusing. If a child is diagnosed with a germless germ cell tumour, the doctor may list the tumour to include one or more of the following:
- Fetal carcinoma
- Vegetable carcinoma
- U yolk sac
- U are not fluent
- Proficiency
Each of these parts is identified during treatment. This is a term used in Europe and North America and is similar to the terms used by a child’s doctor. Other Asian countries may use other terms.
Germ cell tumours
Purely soft-cell tumours do not secrete AFP and may secrete hCG at levels lower than 50 IU / I. Germ cell tumours also include one or more parts for germless germ cell tumours listed above. Any germ cell tumour that is not a pure germ is called a germless germ cell tumour even if it contains some germ cell tumours.
About tumour marker
-Unfertile germ cell tumours produce substances called tumour markers that can be detected in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid (fluid in the brain and spinal cord, also known as CSF). Some examples of tumour marker are hCG and AFP, mentioned above. They are called tumour markers because they are measurable and their content can be used as a marker for certain tumours during treatment and monitoring. AFP is a marker of the yolk sac and hCG is a marker of vegetable carcinoma. -Seminal germ cell tumours other than vegetable carcinomas may also lead to small increases in hCG. Usually increases to more than about 50 IU / I. In most western countries, germ cell tumours with levels of hCG below 50 are called germ cell tumours; Germ cell tumours with an hCG greater than 50 are called unfertilized. -Any increase in AFP indicates that germ cell tumours are unfertilized. -A number of other tumour markers are in the process of investigating, especially the study of germ cell tumours. A marker currently under study is called an s-kit. -The tumour marker may increase both in blood and CSF, either in the blood or in CSF. This explains why doctors recommend tumour markers to be measured both in blood and CSF whenever possible.
Reason?
-During the normal development of a baby, a germ cell develops into an egg cell (in a girl) or a sperm cell (in a boy). In rare cases, these cells invade or misplace in a child’s body, such as a brain where a tumour may appear. These tumours can spread to other parts of the brain or spinal cord through cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
How many young children have?
Germ cell tumours account for about 30% of pediatric central nervous system tumours in Europe and the US. However, this type of tumour is more common in Asian countries. In Japan, germ cell tumours account for 18% of brain tumours in people under 20 years of age. Germ cell tumours largely affect adolescents and young people. Most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 13 and 15. In half of all children with germ cell tumours, the tumour is located in a part of the brain called the pineal region. The other half is located in different parts of the brain. Approximately 50% to 65% of germ cell tumours are seminal and the remainder is unfertilized.
What are the medical symptoms of germ cell tumours?
Some symptoms of germ cell tumours depend on the location of the tumour in the brain. Tumours located in the pineal region often have symptoms of increased intracranial pressure:
- Head straps in the morning
- Nausea and vomiting in the morning
- Blurred vision
- Abnormal eye movements
Germ cell tumours located in the basal ganglia show weakness on one side of the body. Germ cell tumours in the pituitary pit (upper part of the brain) cause visual and endocrine problems such as diabetes. Other specific endocrine signs, such as precocious puberty, begin in boys and girls younger than 8 years old. Most babies treated for germ cell tumours in the pituitary gland of the brain will need many hormone replacements for the rest of their lives.
Treatment
Surgery: Surgery to treat germ cell tumours can help remove the tumour completely and the edge of the tumour. Chemotherapy: This method uses drugs to inhibit the division and growth of tumour-causing cells, in order to destroy cells. Medications prescribed for germ cell tumours include bleomycin, cisplatin, and etoposide. Chemotherapy can cause a number of side effects such as hair loss, fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and an increased likelihood of infection. Therefore, patients with germ cell tumours need special care. Usually, when chemotherapy is finished, these side effects will go away.
What support can we give for Germ Cell Tumours (Pituitary gland)?
Germ Cell Tumours (Pituitary gland) is rare cancer, meaning it is not as well known as other forms of cancer. Without a Ribbon is an Australian organisation that provides support for individuals who suffer from rare cancers. We provide a designated platform for Warriors to obtain information specific to their Rare Cancer. We also provide annual opportunities for our Warriors to meet and learn from each other. If you suffer from rare cancer such as Germ Cell Tumours (Pituitary gland), we can help and support you through your journey thanks to the generous donations we receive. Click the link below to sign up and become a Warrior today!
You can help us with your donation:
Without a Ribbon is a charity that works hard to aid those who suffer from rare cancers. You can help our cause in a variety of ways:
Donations — Without a Ribbon is grateful when we receive every donation. Giving to Without a Ribbon helps us to provide ongoing support, organise the annual gathering and subsidise the costs of our Warriors attending these conferences.
Sponsorship — If you wish to sponsor our charity, please contact us using this form.
Volunteering — We are always looking for volunteers to help with different aspects of running our charity. So, if you are looking for volunteer work, please feel free to contact us.