What is testicular yolk sac tumors?

A yolk sac tumor is a rare, malignant tumor of cells that line the yolk sac of the embryo. These cells normally become ovaries or testes; however, the cause of a yolk sac tumor is unknown. It is most often found in children before the ages of 1 to 2, but can occur throughout life.

Is yolk sac tumor cancerous?

Yolk sac tumors occur most often in the ovary or testicle, but they may also occur in other areas of the body, such as the chest, abdomen, or brain. They tend to grow quickly and spread to other parts of the body if not treated. Yolk sac tumors are the most common malignant germ cell tumor in children.

Is yolk sac curable?

Yolk sac tumors can be cured if treated in the early stages. Patients need to be able to do self-examination and need to be educated about the successful management of the early disease.

Is yolk sac a seminoma tumor?

The 4 main types of non-seminoma tumors are embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, and teratoma. Most tumors are a mix of different types (sometimes with seminoma cells too), but this doesn’t change the treatment of most non-seminoma cancers.

How rare is a yolk sac tumor?

Yolk sac tumor (YST) of the ovary is a rare germ cell tumor comprising about 1% of all ovarian malignancies. YST usually occurs as a rapidly growing unilateral tumor in young women.

How is yolk sac tumor diagnosed?

Serum α-feto protein (AFP) is a useful bio-marker of yolk sac tumor diagnosis. It is present in almost 100% of the cases, and can be easily analyed from a venous blood sample. You might also be referred to an ultrasound expert or undergo an MRI, since these modalities can be used to detect the tumor.

Are seminomas benign?

A seminoma is a germ cell tumor of the testicle or, more rarely, the mediastinum or other extra-gonadal locations. It is a malignant neoplasm and is one of the most treatable and curable cancers, with a survival rate above 95% if discovered in early stages.

Can a yolk sac tumor arise from a mature cystic teratoma?

Final Diagnosis — Yolk sac tumor. FINAL DIAGNOSIS: Yolk sac tumor arising in association with mature cystic teratoma (dermoid cyst). DISCUSSION: Yolk sac tumor (also known as endodermal sinus tumor) of the ovary is a malignant germ cell neoplasm.

How fast do seminomas grow?

The median lymph node growth rate for patients with seminoma was 1.35 mm/month (range 0.62-4.56) and for patients with non-seminoma 2.99 mm/month (range 0.77-7.06); the difference in growth rates was statistically significant (P=0.029).

What is the histologic hallmark of yolk sac tumor?

Yolk sac tumor is an uncommon malignant germ cell tumor that grows in a confusing variety of histologic patterns. Immunohistochemical staining can help establish the diagnosis. The most useful stain is for α-fetoprotein, as positive staining for AFP is a characteristic of yolk sac tumor (Fig. 18.42).