Germ cell tumors that develop in the brain or spinal cord are also called CNS germ cell tumors. Most germ cells appear in the ovaries or testes, but they can get trapped in the brain during the fetal period. There are two main types of germ cell tumors- they are called germinomas and non-germinomatous. If they have both aspects, they are called mixed germ cell tumors. Researchers do not know the cause of germ cell tumors. Usually, germ cells migrate to the gonads during fetal development, they become sperm in the male testes. When these germ cells do not move to the right area, they can become trapped in the brain and multiply in areas they should not. Symptoms are specific for which area located in the brain. For example, if found in the pineal gland region they can experience hydrocephalus, headache, vomiting, fatigue, behavioral or cognitive changes, ataxia, and visual changes. If found in the suprasellar or pituitary gland region symptoms include diabetes insipidus, delayed puberty, early puberty, stunted growth, and visual changes. To diagnose they do a combination of physical and neurological exams, advanced imaging, studies, blood tests, and lumbar puncture, as well as determining the type of germ cell tumor (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute).
Peds RN Germ Cell Tumor