Germ Cell Cancer Essay

Germ cell cancer is the malignant growth of cellular tissue in germ cells that eventually develop into the ovum and sperm, which are most commonly found in the male and female gonads. In men, approximately 95% of testicular cancers are due to the presence of cancerous germ cells. Comparatively, germ cell cancer (categorized as ovarian cancer) is relatively rare in older women , accounting for 20% of all ovarian tumours , most prevalent in younger women. In women, the early stages are prone to be asymptomatic leading to a critical delay in the treatment processes. This report will deliver the early symptoms and discuss tumour growth of the two most common types of germ cell tumours in men and women and also present the best possible diagnostic

Furthermore, an interview with Dr Peter Grimison confirmed the above symptoms with further additions of breast swelling, coughing of blood, seizures or weakness on a particular side of the body. These symptoms are not limited to men but are also applicable to women as the tumour metastasises through the lymphatic system for which the lymph nodes are located in the same regions in both sexes. However, it is also to be noted that these symptoms are not limited to the diagnosis of testicular cancer but may be an indication for a less threatening condition .

In females, it is possible for the presence of Dysgerminoma to be asymptomatic in the early stages, however the most common symptoms that patients may experience are :

• Abdominal Pain

• Pain near Pelvis

• Early fullness after minimal diet intake

• Uncomfortable or painful