Embryonal carcinoma

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Embryonal carcinoma is one of the several types of testicular (or ovarian) germ cell tumors, which also include the seminoma (dysgerminoma in ovary), teratoma, Endodermal sinus tumor and choriocarcinoma. Forming from a malignant germ cell tumor, the embryonal carcinoma is a reproductive cell gone out of control. Like any cancer, it grows with its cells dividing rapidly and indefinitely. The embryonal carcinoma can spread up the epididymis to the vas deferens and spread to the rest of the body, including the lymph nodes that run along the aorta. It is only in the testicular germ cells that this carcinoma develops.

Differing from the other types of testicular cancers, embryonal carcinoma can have several of the properties of a mal-developed fetus, including cartilage. The main tumor is, on average, 2.5 centimeters long and can also stem out approximately 9 centimeters up the testicular cord. Embryonal carcinomas are usually seen in males age 25-35, but have also hit males as young as their late teens. The chances of an embryonal carcinoma spreading from one testicle to the other are less than 1%. Embryonal carcinomas account for approximately 40% of testicular tumors.

Rarely, embryonal carcinomas are seen in females, in the ovaries.

Resources

• Embryonal Carcinoma-Testis. The Doctor's Doctor. 19 July 2004. Thedoctorsdoctor.com. 26 October 2005
• Embryonal Carcinoma Definition. MedicineNet.com. 10 March 2004. MedicineNet.com. 26 October 2005