Introduction to germ cell tumors

Intracranial germ cell tumors are a group of tumors with specific pathological properties, clinical manifestations and treatment methods. They originate from germ cells and include germ cell tumors, embryonal carcinomas, endodermal sinus carcinomas, choroidal epithelial carcinomas, teratomas, and mixed germ cell tumors. In addition to the occupying effect of tumor and compression of adjacent brain tissues, it can also obstruct the cerebrospinal fluid circulation and cause increased intracranial pressure and ventricular enlargement; compression of pituitary gland and hypothalamus can cause endocrine dysfunction and uremia; some tumor cells themselves produce endocrine hormones and cause precocious puberty. Therefore, these tumors have their unique clinical manifestations. There are similarities and differences in the treatment of these tumors, and the prognosis is very different.