A Giant Primary Mediastinal Teratocarcinoma in a Male Adult

Abstract EN

Germ cell tumors (GCTs) arise along the midline, in which 50-70% of extragonadal GCTs occur in the mediastinum.

Malignant GCTs are more common in males, while benign GCTs occur equally in both males and females.

This report presents a case of a giant primary mediastinal nonseminomatous GCT resected from a 35-year-old male who presented with dyspnoea and tightness in the chest.

Thorough investigations including a chest MRI were done.

It showed a 21×19×15 cm tumor.

Thus, surgical resection of the tumor through a midline sternotomy was done.

Histopathological analysis diagnosed the tumor as a primary mediastinal teratocarcinoma with a sarcomatous component.

Eighteen-month follow-up showed no tumor recurrence.

Mediastinal teratocarcinoma is a rare and life-threatening germ cell tumor.

Studies recommend the use of chemotherapy prior to resection as an important step in its management.

Close and regular follow-up postsurgical resection is advised.