Teratoma with somatic-type malignant components of the testis. A review and an update

Abstract

Malignant transformation of germ cell tumors into somatic malignancy is uncommon. Its presentation differs from series to series, with 43 % of adult cases identified within the primary tumors and the remainder at the time of relapse or in the metastasis. Patients with stage I disease enjoy an excellent prognosis; whereas in metastatic sites when not completely resectable, the somatic type malignancies suffer a dismal prognosis. Radical surgery is significant for the prospects of cure and is standard chemotherapy for germ cell tumors; a transformation-oriented treatment can be effective for these patients. A deeper understanding of the biology of this phenomenon is essential for clinicians involved in such malignancies in order to permit a better control of the disease.

Adult type granulosa cell tumor of the testis with a heterologous sarcomatous component: case report and review of the literature

“…soft and nervous tissue, intestine etc. [39], whereas the sarcomas described to date in stromal tumors [32-35] were all composed of undifferentiated spindle cells. It can be assumed that these tumors develop from undifferentiated gonadal stroma.…”

Pure Testicular Seminoma Relapsing Late with Somatic Type Malignancy

“…As outlined before, somatic type malignancies encompass a wide variety of malignant neoplastic histologies with sarcoma and carcinoma representing the most prevalent types [6]. Among the less frequently encountered histologies are PNET, haematologic neoplasms, and undifferentiated tumours [4]. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours as seen in our patient are among the least common variants with only 4 cases reported so far [6, 13].…”

“…Friedman and Moore were the first to document cases with “neuroepithelioma” and sarcoma arising within teratomatous germ cell tumours [3]. Pathologically, STMs encompass a wide spectrum of histologic appearances [4] with sarcoma of all subtypes comprising 50% and carcinomas of various subtypes comprising about 20% of cases followed by primitive neuroectodermal tumours (PNET) ranking third with 10% [5, 6]. The remainder is made up of rare malignancies including haematologic neoplasms and undifferentiated tumours [4, 7].…”

Secondary malignant transformation of testicular teratomas: Case series and literature review

“…Surgical resection combined with chemotherapy appears to be the therapy of choice. 13 Chemotherapy primarily oriented toward a specific type of somatic neoplasia may also be useful. 39 Finally, with respect to metastasis, in a study conducted at the University of Indiana, the authors recommend resection of metastases whenever possible; 89% of patients who underwent retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy remained free of the disease, with the average life free of disease declining by 50% if metastases are not resected.…”