Embryonal
carcinoma
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. |
