Embryonal carcinoma
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Overview
The Embryonal Carcinoma is one of the several types of testicular (or ovarian) germ cell tumors, which also include the seminoma (in testis, 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.
Differing from the other types of testicular cancers, the 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 Oct. 2005 <http://www.thedoctorsdoctor.com/diseases/embryonal_ca_testis.htm>.
- "Embryonal Carcinoma Definition." MedicineNet.com. 10 Mar. 2004. MedicineNet.com. 26 Oct. 2005 <http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=31404>.
Acknowledgements
The content on this page was first contributed by: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D.
Initial content for this page in some instances came from Wikipedia
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Acknowledgement and Attribution Regarding Sources of Content
Some of the initial content on this page may be incorporated in part from copyleft sources in the public domain including wikis such as Wikipedia and AskDrWiki. Drug information for patients came from the The National Library of Medicine. Infectious disease information may have come from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Differential Diagnoses are drawn from clinicians as well as an amalgamation of 3 sources: 1.The Disease Database; 2. Kahan, Scott, Smith, Ellen G. In A Page: Signs and Symptoms. Malden, Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishing, 2004:3; 3. Sailer, Christian, Wasner, Susanne. Differential Diagnosis Pocket. Hermosa Beach, CA: Borm Bruckmeir Publishing LLC, 2002:7 .
