Keimzelltumoren im Kindesalter

Abstract

This report concerns 33 infants and children with germ cell tumours = teratomas treated between 1968 and 1986. The primary site of the tumour was sacrococcygeal in 12 and the ovaries in 10. Malignancy occurred in 9 out of 33 (= 27%) patients. To prevent malignant transformation, early surgical intervention has to be performed in benign tumours. For immature subtypes as well as incomplete tumour extirpation a short-term follow-up should be mandatory. The recent change of treatment in malignant teratomas (protochemotherapy, delayed tumour extirpation, improved drugs, second-look operation)--based on cooperative interdisciplinary therapy studies--is discussed. Ultrasound and tumour markers are recommended as good indicators for diagnostic and follow-up studies.