Central nervous system germ cell tumor

CNS germ cell tumor is a type of CNS tumor that is common in children between the ages of 10 and 12. The location of the germ cell tumor will mainly be found in the pineal gland or the suprapituitary region. This is a disease with a relatively good prognosis.

Germ cells are special cells that appear during embryonic development, which later differentiate into sperm in the testes (for men) and eggs in the ovaries (for women). In rare cases, during embryonic development, germ cells migrate to other parts of the body (such as breasts, abdomen, brain, etc.) and form tumors. These tumors form in the brain, becoming CNS germ cell tumors.
CNS germ cell tumors are a group of relatively rare primary intracranial tumors that usually develop in children 10 to 12 years of age. The location of CNS germ cell tumors is most commonly found in the pineal gland and the suprapituitary region, originating near the third ventricle and extending from the suprapituitary region to the pineal gland. Although these cell tumors are more common in the pineal region, they can spread to other parts of the brain and spinal cord, including the cerebrospinal fluid. Different types of germ cells form different types of tumors, including:
yolk sac; Yolk sac tumor; U monster; Embryonic carcinoma; Germinoma; Mixed germ cell tumors.

Depending on the location of CNS germ cell tumors in children, clinical symptoms will be different. For patients with tumors of the pineal gland, it can cause symptoms such as:
Increased fluid in the brain (hydrocephalus); Headache; Vomiting, nausea; Tired body; Feeling stimulated; Difficulty looking up or focusing on close objects; For patients with tumors above the pituitary area, it can cause symptoms such as:
Early or late puberty (along with a number of other hormone related problems); Growth is affected; Vision problems. SEE ALSO: Can a newborn baby with germ cell tumor be cured?

Diagnosis of CNS germ cell tumors by the following methods:
3.1. Diagnostic imaging Imaging will allow the identification of tumors in the suprapituitary and pineal regions.
CT Scanner image: showing mild or high density germ cell tumor, homogenous increase in tissue density after contrast injection. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): allows the best imaging diagnosis for CNS germ cell tumors. In addition, considering the CT and MRI images of the brain, the doctor can evaluate the size, location as well as the picture of complications caused by the tumor (cerebrospinal fluid retention).
3.2. Pathology Must rely on pathology to be able to determine the type of tumor cells. The results of histopathology of tumor cells will be diagnosed by the following methods:
Surgery to remove the tumor; Needle biopsy technique. However, brain tissue biopsy techniques have many risks (such as bleeding, neurological sequelae) so they are rarely applied in clinical settings.
3.3. Biochemical tests Thanks to the advancement of biochemical tests, there are now a number of tumor markers that can help diagnose as well as suggest tumor cell classification.

The early detection and timely treatment of CNS germ cell tumors in children not only give better results but also avoid dangerous complications (cerebrospinal fluid retention). The indicated methods of treatment for CNS tumor include: surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and internal medicine.
4.1. Surgical treatment Surgical placement of ventricular - abdominal and ventricular - basilar drainage: The doctor will choose to perform this method when there is a complication of intracranial cerebrospinal fluid stasis causing hypertension syndrome. intracranial force.
Surgery to completely remove germ cell tumors: This is a difficult method and is quite rarely chosen because the tumor location is deep, complications are disabled and there will still be recurrence after surgery. art.
Micro-biopsy: Because of the limitations of complications, this method may not give accurate results because it is not possible to accurately biopsy tumor cells.
4.2. Radiation therapy Depending on the type of tumor cells, the effectiveness of treatment for neuroblastoma in children will be different. Because neuroblastomas are sensitive to radiation therapy, most cases respond well to radiation therapy alone. In contrast, germ cell tumors that are not neuroblastoma are less sensitive to radiation therapy, thus resulting in a high recurrence rate.
Currently, there are two methods of radiation therapy applied to CNS germ cell tumors, specifically:
External beam radiation therapy using linear accelerator: This is a commonly used method. applicable to large tumor volume (>5cm) or multi-site disease. Radiosurgery (or Gamma Knife Radiosurgery): This is a method applied to tumors with small size (≤ 5cm) or performed after accelerated radiotherapy but still has tissue cells. small tumor.

4.3. Chemotherapy Like radiotherapy, the effectiveness of chemotherapy for CNS germ cell tumors also depends on the cytology of the tumor. However, chemotherapy penetration through the blood-brain barrier is very limited, leading to unclear treatment results. Therefore, the method of applying chemotherapy to treatment is still in the experimental stage.

According to statistics, children unfortunately with CNS germ cell tumors will have a 90% survival prognosis.
Central nervous system germ cell tumor is a dangerous disease, with dangerous complications affecting the development, cognition and movement of children. Therefore, it is very important to examine, diagnose and receive treatment at an early stage. Families need to pay special attention to let their children go to the doctor in time.
Vinmec International General Hospital is the address for examination, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases, including the specialty of Pediatrics - Neonatology. When performing the examination process at Vinmec, customers will be welcomed and used the facilities, modern medical equipment system along with perfect medical services under the guidance and advice. of highly qualified and well-trained doctors both at home and abroad. With these advantages, Vinmec has successfully examined, diagnosed and treated many pediatric diseases, providing a good chance of living and long-term health recovery.