Management of primary intracranial germ cell tumors |
| |
Authors: | Athanassios P Kyritsis |
| |
Institution: | (1) Department of Neurology, University of Ioannina School of Medicine, University Campus, Ioannina, 45110, Greece;(2) Neurosurgical Research Institute, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, 45110, Greece |
| |
Abstract: | Primary intracranial germ cell tumors are rare and usually localized in the pineal and the suprasellar regions. They are divided
into the following histologic types: germinoma, teratoma (mature, immature, malignant), choriocarcinoma, embryonal carcinoma,
endodermal sinus tumor (yolk sac tumor), and mixed tumors. Clinically, they are manifested with ocular signs or signs of obstructive
hydrocephalus. Localized germinomas are treated with radiation therapy and exhibit a relatively good prognosis. Chemotherapy
is reserved for disseminated germinomas. Mature teratomas are treated with surgery. The rest of germ cell tumors are managed
with various combinations of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy depending on the tumor type. If the tumors secrete beta-human
chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) or alpha-fetoprotein (FP), these tumor markers can be used to accurately monitor response to
treatment. Prognosis is best for germinomas and mature teratomas and worst for choriocarcinomas and embryonal carcinomas. |
| |
Keywords: | |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|