MEDIASTINAL GERM CELL TUMORS

Germ cells are the reproductive cells in our body. These cells go on to form sperms and eggs in men and women respectively. Germ cell tumours (abnormal proliferation of cells) develop from these very cells. Germ cell tumors in the mediastinum were first reported about 50 years ago. Extra gonadal Germ cell tumours typically arise in the midline of the body.

Epidemiology:-
Malignant germ cell tumours of the mediastinum are very rare. They form just 3 to 10% of all mediastinal tumours and account for 1 to 5% of all germ cell tumours. About one third of all the malignant germ cell tumors are pure seminomas.