Testicular embryonal cell carcinoma is a type of non-seminomatous germ cell tumor and is the second most common histological type of testicular tumor after seminoma 3.
On this page:
Epidemiology
Incidence peaks at around 25-30 years.
Pathology
It may occur as part of a mixed germ cell tumor (more common and may be present as a component in around 80% of mixed germ cell tumors) or very rarely in pure form (2-3%) 3. It has components of primitive anaplastic-appearing epithelial cells. At the time of presentation, it is usually smaller than the seminoma but has more aggressive behavior 3. Aggressive features (extratesticular extension and metastases) are common and associated with poor prognosis 4.
Testicular embryonal cell tumors usually show increased alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and β-hCG levels; however, these tumor markers are mildly elevated in the pure embryonal cell tumors. These tumor marker levels reflect the tumor burden and their elevation is associated with poor outcome 5.
Radiographic features
Ultrasound
hypoechoic heterogeneous mass lesion with ill-defined outlines and involvement of the tunica albuginea and abnormal outline of the testis 3,4
Ill-defined areas of necrosis, hemorrhage and calcifications 3,4
MRI
heterogeneous signal intensity lesion with areas of hemorrhage and necrosis 4
Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.