An Overview of Clinico-Pathological Correlates of CNS Germinoma

Abstract

Germ cell tumors (GCTs) in the central nervous system (CNS), occurring in the first and second decade of life, mainly affect children and young adults typically. Ages from 10-19 years are the peak incidence. In patients younger than 20 years,3-5% of all or most intracranial tumors are caused by GCTs and are three times more common in males than females. This condition can present with a vast constellation of signs, symptoms, and disorders based on the location, age of the patient, and tumor size. With raised intracranial pressure features, obstructive hydrocephalus is caused by pineal tumors. Suprasellar tumor's most common initial manifestation is diabetes Insipidus, pituitary dysfunction, and hypothalamic. Diagnosis and treatment for different germinomas are known by measuring the level of cerebrospinal fluid and serum of tumor markers. This article is part of students’ projects to foster their research skills and integrated learning.