How germinoma occurs

This type of cancer forms as early as the stage of intrauterine development. So, the cells of the embryo acquire “specialization“ (become lung cells, brain cells, germ cells, etc.) and move accordingly. Germinoma is caused by germ cells that have moved to an area of the brain rather than the ovaries or testicles during embryonic development.

There are also other types of germinomas that localize in other organs and are composed of other, non-null cells. The cause of cell misdistribution is an intrauterine mutation of the embryo’s genes.

The tumor is usually diagnosed at the age of 10-12 years (with the onset of puberty). Boys are more often affected by germinoma. Since this type of tumor is mostly malignant, metastasizes to other organs and runs aggressively, the symptoms are vivid:

• severe headaches for which painkillers do not help;
• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
• fatigue, weakness, depression;
• visual impairment;
• seizures, loss of consciousness;
• anemia.

If the neoplasm is located in the pituitary gland area (the part of the brain responsible for growth and development), then there are problems with the hormonal background, dysfunction of the sexual organs, non-sugar diabetes.

In an Israeli clinic “MDI“ you can be diagnosed with germinoma:

Diagnosis of germinoma

1. Consultation with a doctor, history taking, blood and urine tests.
2. Neurological examination: assessment of memory, vision, hearing, balance, coordination, etc.
3. MRI and CT scan – used to localize the tumor. Because germinoma is located in the deep structures of the brain, both imaging techniques may be required.
4. Lumbar puncture to check spinal cord fluid for tumor markers.
5. If possible, a minimally invasive biopsy is performed to examine a fragment of the tumor.

Then, depending on the results of the examination, a suitable treatment will be prescribed.

Treatment of germinoma, a brain tumor

The age of germinoma detection is on average between 10-12 and 20 years of age. This makes it more difficult to treat the tumor, because children are not indicated for radiation therapy. It is also very risky to remove the cancer surgically, because germinoma is located deep next to very important brain structures. The main treatment is chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy.

At the clinic “MDI“ You can receive care from the best doctors using new Israeli medical techniques. We will conduct a quality diagnosis and choose the best treatment option