2. Academic Validation
  3. Extragonadal germ cell tumors: Not just a matter of location. A review about clinical, molecular and pathological features

Extragonadal germ cell tumors: Not just a matter of location. A review about clinical, molecular and pathological features

  • Cancer Med. 2019 Nov;8(16):6832-6840. doi: 10.1002/cam4.2195.
Andrea Ronchi 1,  Immacolata Cozzolino 1,  Marco Montella 1,  Iacopo Panarese 1,  Federica Zito Marino 1,  Sabrina Rossetti 2,  Paolo Chieffi 3,  Marina Accardo 1,  Gaetano Facchini 2,  Renato Franco 1
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
  • 2 Uro-Andrologic Oncology Unit, Department of Uro-Gynaecological Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale"-IRCCS, Naples, Italy.
  • 3 Department of Psychology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy.
PMID: 31568647 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2195
Abstract

Extragonadal germ cell tumors (EGGCTs) are uncommon neoplasms, which arise in anatomical locations Other than gonads. The pathogenesis of these neoplasms is still poorly understood and it is a matter of debate if they really represent extragondal primary neoplasms or rather extragondal metastasis from occult gonadal neoplasms. The actual observations suggest that EGGCTs represent a unique entity, so their biology and behavior are substantially different from gonadal counterparts. The diagnosis of EGGCTs is often challenging, and differential diagnosis is particularly wide. Nevertheless, a correct diagnosis is essential for the correct management of the patient. We summarize the state of art about EGGCTs, with particular emphasis on diagnosis and prognosis.

Keywords

SALL4; SOX2; choriocarcinoma; chromosome 12p; embryonal carcinoma; extragonadal germ cell tumors; seminoma; teratoma; yolk sac tumor.

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