Germ Cell Tumors of the Testis Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the most common malignancy of the testicles?

Seminoma

Which age group is most commonly affected by seminomas?

50-60

20-30

10-20

30-50 (correct)

What are the clinical signs and symptoms of a seminoma?

Painful scrotal mass

Hardening of the testicle (correct)

Elevated hCG (correct)

All of the above

What kind of sonographic appearance does a seminoma typically exhibit?

Solid hypoechoic intratesticular mass Signup and view all the answers

Embryonal cell carcinomas are less aggressive than seminomas.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these are clinical signs and symptoms of an embryonal cell carcinoma?

Palpable mass (A), Elevated AFP (B), Elevated hCG (C) Signup and view all the answers

What sonographic characteristics are typical of an embryonal cell carcinoma?

Heterogenous mass with cystic components (A), Areas of increased echogenicity (B), Calcification (C) Signup and view all the answers

Teratomas are always malignant.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a clinical sign and symptom of a teratoma?

Palpable mass (A) Signup and view all the answers

What sonographic characteristics are present in a teratoma?

Heterogenous mass with calcifications (A), Presence of bone, teeth, cartilage, hair (B), Hyperechoic microcalcifications (C) Signup and view all the answers

Yolk sac tumors are a rare type of testicular cancer with unfavorable prognosis.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a clinical sign and symptom of a yolk sac tumor?

Palpable mass (A), Elevated AFP (B) Signup and view all the answers

What sonographic characteristics are typically seen in a yolk sac tumor?

Heterogenous mass (A), Areas of hemorrhage (B), Calcifications (C) Signup and view all the answers

Choriocarcinomas are common and benign tumors.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a clinical sign and symptom of a choriocarcinoma?

Palpable mass (A), Elevated hCG (B) Signup and view all the answers

What sonographic characteristics are typical of a choriocarcinoma?

Varied appearance (A), Heterogenous mass (B), Areas of hemorrhage, necrosis, and calcifications (C), Irregular borders (D) Signup and view all the answers

Germ cell tumors are not associated with elevated levels of human chorionic gonadotropin and alpha-fetoprotein.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Approximately 95% of testicular tumors are germ cell type and highly malignant.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What are the main types of germ cell tumors (GCTs)?

Seminoma (A), Teratoma (B), Embryonal cell carcinoma (C), Yolk sac tumor (D), Choriocarcinoma (E) Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main categories of testicular tumors?

Both A and B (B) Signup and view all the answers

Testicular carcinoma is a common type of testicular tumor and occurs most often in older men.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these are symptoms of testicular carcinoma?

Painless palpable lump (A), Testicular enlargement (B), Vague discomfort in the scrotum (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Germ Cell Tumors of the Testis

Seminoma:
- Most common testicular malignancy.
- Typically occurs in men aged 30-50.
- Presents as a painless, hard scrotal mass.
- Elevated levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) may be present.
- Sonographic appearance: Solid, hypoechoic intratesticular mass; heterogeneous if large.
Embryonal Cell Carcinoma:
- More aggressive than seminomas.
- May present with a palpable mass and elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and hCG.
- Sonographic appearance: Heterogeneous mass with cystic components, possibly areas of increased echogenicity (calcification, hemorrhage, or fibrosis).
Teratoma:
- Can be benign but has malignant potential.
- May be palpable.
- Elevated AFP and hCG levels may suggest malignancy.
- Sonographic appearance: Heterogeneous mass with calcifications; may contain bone, teeth, cartilage, hair (hyperechoic microcalcifications, shadowing).
Yolk Sac Tumor:
- Rare; favorable prognosis compared to other germ cell tumors.
- Not as aggressive as other types.
- Typically presents with a palpable mass and elevated AFP only.
- Sonographic appearance: Heterogeneous mass with areas of hemorrhage and calcifications.
Choriocarcinoma:
- Rare; highly aggressive.
- May present with a palpable mass and elevated hCG.
- Sonographic appearance: Varies due to diverse cell types; heterogeneous mass with areas of hemorrhage, necrosis, and calcifications; and irregular borders.

General Testicular Cancer Information

Germ Cell Tumors (GCTs):
- Account for approximately 95% of testicular cancers, often highly malignant.
- Associated with elevated levels of hCG and AFP.
- Include: Seminoma, Teratoma, Embryonal cell carcinoma, Yolk sac tumor, Choriocarcinoma.
Testicular Carcinoma:
- Includes both germ cell and non-germ cell types.
- More common between ages 20-34.
- Symptoms: Painless palpable lump, testicular enlargement, or vague scrotal discomfort.

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Description

This quiz explores the various types of germ cell tumors of the testis, including seminomas, embryonal cell carcinoma, and teratomas. It covers their characteristics, presentation, and sonographic appearances, as well as associated biomarkers. Test your knowledge and understanding of these malignancies and their clinical implications.