primary intracranial germ cell neoplasm

Introduction

Morphologically similar to germ cell neoplasms elsewhere.

Epidemiology

• ~80% occur around third ventricle
  • most commonly in the pineal & suprasellar regions,
  • also basal ganglionic, thalamic, cerebral hemispheric, intraventricular, bulbar, intramedullary & intrasellar locations described
• ~90% < 20 years old
• incidence peaks at 10 - 12 years
• male:female ratio 2-2.5:1

More general terms

• extragonadal germ cell neoplasm
• central nervous system (CNS) neoplasm

More specific terms

• primary intracranial choriocarcinoma
• primary intracranial embryonal carcinoma
• primary intracranial germinoma
• primary intracranial teratoma
• primary intracranial yolk sac tumor; primary intracranial endodermal sinus tumor

Patient information

primary intracranial germ cell neoplasm patient information