Teratoma with somatic-type malignant components of the testis. A review and an update

Virchows Arch. 2012 Jul;461(1):27-32. doi: 10.1007/s00428-012-1251-x. Epub 2012 May 24.

Abstract

Malignant transformation of germ cell tumors into somatic malignancy is uncommon. Its presentation differs from series to series, with 43 % of adult cases identified within the primary tumors and the remainder at the time of relapse or in the metastasis. Patients with stage I disease enjoy an excellent prognosis; whereas in metastatic sites when not completely resectable, the somatic type malignancies suffer a dismal prognosis. Radical surgery is significant for the prospects of cure and is standard chemotherapy for germ cell tumors; a transformation-oriented treatment can be effective for these patients. A deeper understanding of the biology of this phenomenon is essential for clinicians involved in such malignancies in order to permit a better control of the disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prognosis
  • Teratoma / genetics
  • Teratoma / mortality
  • Teratoma / pathology*
  • Testicular Neoplasms / genetics
  • Testicular Neoplasms / mortality
  • Testicular Neoplasms / pathology*