Image Description
Microscopic Features of Mixed Germ Cell Tumors (GCT): By definition, mixed GCTs contain more than one germ cell component. The most frequent combinations are embryonal carcinoma with seminoma, teratoma, or yolk sac tumor. However, any combination can be seen. Tumors often contain more than two components.
The histologic features of the individual components are identical to those seen in the pure forms. Embryonal carcinoma and yolk sac tumor are frequently very closely associated. The distinction between areas of choriocarcinoma and clusters of syncytiotrophoblastic giant cells must be made correctly due to therapeutic and prognostic implications.
This photomicrograph of a mixed GCT shows seminoma on the right, mature teratoma on the lower left, and a sheet of leydig cells on the upper left.
The histologic features of the individual components are identical to those seen in the pure forms. Embryonal carcinoma and yolk sac tumor are frequently very closely associated. The distinction between areas of choriocarcinoma and clusters of syncytiotrophoblastic giant cells must be made correctly due to therapeutic and prognostic implications.
This photomicrograph of a mixed GCT shows seminoma on the right, mature teratoma on the lower left, and a sheet of leydig cells on the upper left.