Diagnósticos
Tests and procedures used to diagnose germ cell tumors may include imaging tests, blood tests and surgery.
Imaging tests
Imaging tests make pictures of the body that can show the size and location of a tumor. Ultrasound is often used to make pictures of germ cell tumors in the ovaries and testicles. Ultrasound can give the healthcare team more information about lumps or masses that could be a germ cell tumor. It can help the care team see whether the lumps look like something that could be cancer or not cancer.
Other imaging tests might include computerized tomography scan, also called CT scan, and magnetic resonance imaging, also called MRI.
Blood tests
A blood test can find proteins made by cancer cells. This type of test is called a tumor marker test. Having these substances in the blood doesn't mean that someone has cancer. But if a level is higher than typical, that information can help the healthcare team better understand what's going on in the body.
Surgery
If a lump or mass could be cancer, surgery may be needed to remove it. Then the tissue is sent to a lab for testing. The tests can show whether it's cancer.
Tratamientos
Treatments for germ cell tumors may include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Surgery
Surgery is often used to take out a germ cell tumor. The kind of surgery used to remove a germ cell tumor may depend on the tumor's location. If a tumor in a testicle might be cancer, surgery often includes removing the entire testicle.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy treats cancer with strong medicines. Many chemotherapy medicines exist. Most chemotherapy medicines are given through a vein. Some come in pill form.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy treats cancer with powerful energy beams. The energy can come from X-rays, protons or other sources. During radiation therapy, you lie on a table while a machine moves around you. The machine directs radiation to precise points on the body.
Estudios clínicos
Explora los estudios de Mayo Clinic que ensayan nuevos tratamientos, intervenciones y pruebas para prevenir, detectar, tratar o controlar esta afección.
Preparación para la consulta
If you have any symptoms that worry you, start by making an appointment with a doctor or other healthcare professional. If your healthcare professional suspects that a germ cell tumor could be cancer, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in cancer, called an oncologist.
Because appointments can be brief, it's a good idea to be prepared. The following information can help you get ready for an appointment.
What you can do
- Write down any symptoms you have, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
- Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
- Make a list of all medicines, vitamins or supplements that you're taking.
- Consider taking along a family member or friend. Sometimes it can be hard to remember all the information you get during an appointment. Someone who goes with you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
- Write down questions to ask your healthcare professional.
Questions for your doctor
Below are some basic questions to ask your healthcare professional. If you think of other questions during your appointment, be sure to ask those questions too.
- What's likely causing my symptoms?
- Other than the most likely cause, what are other possible causes for my symptoms?
- What tests do I need?
- What's the best course of action?
- What are the alternatives to the approach you're suggesting?
- I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
- Are there restrictions I need to follow?
- Should I see a specialist?
- Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you recommend?
What to expect from your doctor
Questions your healthcare professional might ask include:
- When did your symptoms begin?
- Do you have symptoms all the time, or do they come and go?
- How bad are your symptoms?
- What, if anything, seems to make your symptoms better?
- What, if anything, seems to make your symptoms worse?
Being ready to answer these questions will help you make the most of your appointment time.