Germinoma laboratory tests

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Laboratory Findings

Metastasis has been noted in approximately 22% of cases at time of diagnosis. Males are approximately twice as commonly affected in developing germinomas. Germinomas are most commonly diagnosed between the age of 10 and 21.

• Serum and spinal fluid tumor markers of AFP and beta-HCG are tested. Pure germinomas are not associated with these markers. Nongerminomatous germ cell tumors may be associated with increased markers such as AFP with yolk sac tumors as well as embryonic cell carcinomas and immature teratomas and beta-HCG which occur in choriocarcinomas. It should be noted that in 1-15% of germinonas a low level of beta-HCG may be produced. Although controversial, there are some thoughts that HCG-secreting germinomas are more aggressive than nonsecreting ones.

• Cytology of the CSF often is studied to detect metastasis into the spine. This is important for staging and radiotherapy planning.

References

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