Intracranial yolk sac tumor

Last revised by Yuranga Weerakkody on 13 Jun 2022

Intracranial yolk sac tumors represent 2% of nongerminomatous germ cell tumors 1

Intracranial yolk sac tumors commonly occur in childhood or adolescence. CSF alfa fetoprotein can act as a tumor marker for yolk sac tumors. 

Intracranial yolk sac tumors are usually located in the pineal gland (see pineal yolk sac tumor), suprasellar and posterior third ventricular region 1,2. Primary yolk sac tumors have also been reported in the spinal cord 3.

  • T1: hypointense
  • T2: hyperintense
  • T1 C+ (Gd):  heterogenous enhancement

Hemorrhage is occasionally present.

Prognosis is considered to be poorer as compared to germinomas 4. A combination of surgical resection, chemotherapy and radiotherapy is recommended 4.

Consider

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