Yolk sac tumors of extragonadal origin

Case Report: Extragonadal Yolk Sac Tumors Originating From the Endometrium and the Broad Ligament: A Case Series and Literature Review

Yolk sac tumors (YSTs) of the endometrium and the broad ligament are very rare, with only 29 cases and one case of each other reported before in the English literature. Due to lack of standard guidelines, the treatment strategies of these diseases are controversial. Here, we share two cases of YSTs originating from the endometrium and the broad ligament respectively and review related literature. A 35-year-old woman was diagnosed with endometrial YST in our center and underwent surgery followed by chemotherapy with BEP (bleomycin, cisplatin and etoposide) regimen for six courses. After follow-up for 21 months, there is still no evidence of relapse. Another 36-year-old woman was admitted to our department with YST of the broad ligament. She was treated with surgery followed by chemotherapy with BEP regimen and was lost to follow-up after completing therapy. The case of endometrial YST we shared was similar to cases reported before, while the case with YST of the broad ligament we shared was the second case reported worldwide. Both of these two cases were treated with surgery combined with chemotherapy with BEP regimen.

Serum AFP, hCG and CEA in the Management of Patients with Testicular, Ovarian and Extragonadal Germ Cell Tumors

Serum levels of AFP, hCG and CEA were initially and serially measured in 59 patients with testicular germ cell tumors, and serially in 37 with ovarian and 3 with extragonadal germ cell tumors. Patients with seminoma/dysgerminoma or mature teratoma had normal serum AFP and sporadically slightly elevated hCG. Some patients with embryonal carcinoma, pure or with admixture of seminoma, had serum AFP elevated to maximum 100 U/ml, yet its use for monitoring therapy was limited. Patients with yolk sac tumors had elevated AFP and sometimes CEA levels, those with choriocarcinoma had elevated hCG, and those with compound tumors had one or more of the markers highly elevated. High AFP and/or hCG levels indicated the presence of the relevant tumor cells both in the primary and in residual tumor and/or metastases, also those missed in histological material, and thus were useful in restaging. Unfortunately, their absence in serum did not exclude the presence of marker-negative subpopulations of tumor cells. Changes in marker values paralleled the effects of treatment: the level increasing from any nadir heralded recurrence in patients in remission; elevated or increasing levels during therapy implied resistance to the therapy; decreasing levels indicated regression even though a return to the normal range did not mean eradication of all tumor cells.

Yolk Sac Tumor in Extragonadal Pelvic Sites: Still a Diagnostic Challenge

We present the clinicopathologic features of 15 cases of extragonadal yolk sac tumor (EGYST) detected in female patients and reviewed at our institution from 1988 to 2016. We recorded: patient age, clinical presentation, tumor location, FIGO stage (where applicable), histologic patterns including presence/absence of Schiller-Duval bodies, other germ cell or somatic components, immunoperoxidase results, treatment, and outcome. Patients' ages ranged from 17 to 87 (median, 62) years and presentation included: abnormal uterine bleeding, 12; hematuria, 1; labial mass, 1; abdominal pain, 1. Primary sites were as follows: uterus (11), vagina (1), vulva (1), bladder (1), and peritoneum (1). Seven patients presented at FIGO stage III or IV. The following histologic patterns were observed: microcystic/reticular (7), glandular (8), solid (8), papillary (5), and hepatoid (1). An admixture of histologic patterns was present in 10 cases. Schiller-Duval bodies were seen in only 3 (23%) cases. Eight cases (46%), all uterine primaries, had associated somatic components, and 2 (15%) had a second germ cell component. In 13/14 (93%) cases, the yolk sac tumor component was either missed or misclassified as adenocarcinoma. Immunoperoxidase studies facilitated the diagnosis in all cases as follows: SALL4, 12/12; CDX2, 10/12; α fetoprotein, 7/14; glypican-3, 9/10; cytokeratin 20, 5/9 (rare cells); cytokeratin 7, 3/12 (nondiffuse); PAX8, 2/9 (variable expression). All patients received chemotherapy and all except 1 underwent surgical resection. Follow-up from 5 to 86 months was available for 13 patients: 5 died of disease, 6 are alive with disease, and 2 have no evidence of disease. EGYST arising in the female pelvis of peri/postmenopausal patients may be associated with a somatic component and represent either somatically derived YST or YST differentiation within a somatic carcinoma. EGYST in younger patients is likely a true germ cell neoplasm, and may respond to germ cell appropriate chemotherapy. The benefit of germ cell appropriate chemotherapy in somatically derived EGYST is less clear. Awareness that the presence of glandular or microcystic patterns may lead to under-recognition or misdiagnosis of EGYST in combination with immunomarkers for germ cell and yolk sac differentiation will facilitate the diagnosis.

Extraovarian pelvic yolk sac tumor: case report and review of published work

Extraovarian pelvic yolk sac tumors are rare, with only nine cases documented previously in the published work. We report a case of extraovarian pelvic yolk sac tumor occurring synchronously with breast carcinoma. The patient underwent resection of the pelvic tumor and hepatic implant, omentectomy and breast lumpectomy with sentinel axillary lymph node biopsy. The uterus and bilateral adnexa were preserved. Postoperative adjuvant therapy for the yolk sac tumor included three cycles of the bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin (BEP) regimen. This was followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy for the breast carcinoma. It is concluded that in women with extraovarian pelvic yolk sac tumor who wish to preserve childbearing capacity, fertility-saving surgery followed by fertility-preserving cisplatin-based chemotherapy is adequate and appropriate treatment.

Hepatoid malignancy of unknown origin--a diagnostic conundrum: review of literature and case report of collision with adenocarcinoma

Hepatoid carcinomas are a group of neoplasms with features resembling hepatocellular carcinomas. Although rare, more cases have been noted to arise from various organs within the last decade. Differentiating these tumors is not only a challenge but also critical, since treatment modalities and operative strategies are dependent upon the exact nature of the hepatoid cancer. Based on a review of literature, we discuss the guidelines for differentiating these tumors and utilize these criteria to differentiate these tumors irrespective of their primary tissue of origin. We also describe an unusual case of hepatoid variant of primary peritoneal yolk sac tumor presenting with extensive carcinomatosis and as a collision with two synchronous primary colonic adenocarcinomas, neither of which has been reported to our knowledge to date, thereby falsely mimicking metastatic dedifferentiated colonic adenocarcinoma.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A septuagenarian female presented with weight loss, chronic anemia and ascites associated with bloating. Her past history was significant for COPD, hysterectomy and a bilateral oophorectomy 40 years previously. A work up which included computed tomography (CT) and contrast enema revealed significant ascites with multiple peritoneal nodules causing ascending colonic obstruction. Celiotomy revealed the entire peritoneal surface to be studded with nodules, with the largest measuring 6.0 cm. Intraoperative ultrasound, prompted by the frozen section of nodules resembling liver tissue, revealed no intrahepatic nodules. Right colectomy, omentectomy and tumor debulking were performed. The postoperative course was uneventful except for ascitic leak that spontaneously resolved.

DISCUSSION

The peritoneal nodules consisted of malignant cells arranged in cords that resembled liver tissue. In the absence of a primary identifiable liver disease, this is consistent with either hepatoid variant of primary yolk sac tumor or hepatoid carcinoma arising from the peritoneum. The right colectomy specimen revealed two mucosal ulcers consistent with colonic adenocarcinoma abutting two large tumor nodules on the serosal surface. Although grossly appearing to be contiguous, low power examination showed that the serosal nodule and the mucosal lesion were entirely different, and separated by a definite fibrous band. Immunohistochemical stains and patterns were used to differentiate the type of tumor. This article also discusses the criteria used to differentiate hepatoid yolk sac tumors (hepatoid-YSTs), hepatoid carcinomas and metastatic hepatocellular carcinomas and the phenomenon of opisthoplasia observed in certain malignancies. The difficulties encountered in identifying hepatoid carcinomas and current modalities used to differentiate these tumors are highlighted. The phenomenon of opisthoplasia and the challenges posed by this phenomenon in certain metastatic lesions are reviewed and explanations for the possible origins of hepatoid tumors are considered.

CONCLUSION

The most likely explanation in our case is that the hepatoid tumor either originated from microscopic remnant ovarian tissue left behind or primarily from the peritoneum. With no evidence of yolk sac component within the colonic tumor or in the draining lymphatics, this essentially excludes the commonly observed metastatic dedifferentiation (opisthoplasia) of adenocarcinoma to primitive forms (also known as combination tumors). Based on analysis of various factors, including tumor behavior and response to chemotherapy, we conclude that our case was a hepatoid variant of yolk sac tumor presenting in an elderly woman with carcinomatosis. This unusual presentation of two entirely different primary malignancies in close proximity is defined as "collision tumor". This is the first reported case of collision tumors involving dual colonic and primary peritoneal hepatoid-YST. Identifying the exact type still remains to be the most challenging aspect in the diagnosis of hepatoid tumors.

Primary yolk sac tumor of the rectum

Extragonadal germ cell tumors are well recognized in men but have rarely been reported in women. Reports have primarily focused on the pediatric population and have suggested a poor prognosis for extragonadal yolk sac tumors. A 23-year-old woman with a yolk sac tumor arising in the rectum is described. A review of the English-language literature (MEDLINE 1966-1998) regarding extragonadal germ cell tumors in females is provided. Treatment with four courses of cisplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin was followed by surgical resection of the involved area. No residual tumor was identified. She remains disease free 3.5 years later. Previous reports are limited by the small number of patients, focus on the pediatric population, and treatment before the availability of cisplatin. Extragonadal germ cell tumors in women are extremely rare but can be successfully treated with aggressive chemotherapy and surgery similar to testis cancer.

Primary cerebellar yolk sac tumor: case report

A rare case of cerebellar yolk sac tumor is described. A 4-year-old boy was admitted for the treatment of a cerebellar tumor and, following total removal of the tumor, he was treated with combination chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin, vinblastine, and bleomycin. He died 18 months after the primary diagnosis due to tumor recurrence. Serum alpha-fetoprotein level was well correlated with the clinical course and the amount of the tumor mass in neuroimaging.

Successful treatment of a primary endodermal sinus tumor of the liver

A 27-year-old woman had a large hepatic tumor and a markedly increased serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level. A diagnosis of endodermal sinus tumor was made after a needle biopsy was performed on the liver. Clinical and radiologic examinations did not show an alternative primary site. Treatment with cisplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin was started, but, after three cycles, was changed to cisplatin, vincristine, methotrexate, bleomycin, dactinomycin, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide because the serum AFP level was decreasing too slowly. After additional chemotherapy was given, the patient was well but had an increased AFP level and a large residual mass in the liver. A right hemihepatectomy was performed, but no viable tumor was present. The patient is alive and disease-free 5 years later. Thus, AFP levels may be misleading in the presence of large necrotic tumors. The authors stress the need to make a diagnosis of these rare tumors early because aggressive treatment with combination chemotherapy may result in cure.

Primary yolk sac tumor of the cerebellar vermis: case report

A rare case of yolk sac tumor in the cerebellar vermis is reported. A 2-year-old boy developed headaches, vomiting, and an unsteady gait. Later a tumor was demonstrated in the medial part of the cerebellum by gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The tumor was totally removed, and the surgery was followed by chemotherapy. Soon after surgery the elevated alphafetoprotein (AFP) levels in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid were observed to decrease to normal levels. Three months later enhanced MRI showed a lesion in the vermis without any elevation of AFP, and the lesion turned out to be a granuloma. Six months after the second surgery a tumor recurred that could not be totally removed. Cranial radiotherapy was given together with chemotherapy, which resulted in a decrease of AFP to the normal range. The patient is doing well without any elevation in AFP at 1 year 6 months after onset. Related problems in the diagnosis and treatment of yolk sac tumors are discussed.

Primary malignant mediastinal germ cell tumors: a study of eleven cases and a review of the literature

From 1957 to 1988 eleven cases of primary mediastinal germ cell tumor were referred to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute (PMCI). Four were seminomas, three were mixed germ cell tumors, two were embryonal carcinomas and two were teratocarcinomas. Two of the eleven patients were female. For seminoma, surgical debulking and post-operative irradiation produced the best results. Mediastinal doses ranged from 30 to 37.5 Gy. Local control was achieved in all cases; two patients survive disease-free. The non-seminomatous germ cell tumors showed a significantly poorer survival with only one of seven patients remaining alive in remission at 15 months. One other case of non-seminomatous tumor remains alive but in relapse at 23 months. Attention is focused on the anterior position of primary germ cell tumors in the mediastinum. A review of the literature is presented.

Experience with the management of primary endodermal sinus tumor of the mediastinum

Ten male patients with extensive primary endodermal sinus tumor of the mediastinum were treated with chemotherapy (with or without surgical excision and radiation therapy) between 1977 and 1985. Three patients, treated with cyclophosphamide-vincristine-based chemotherapy, died 1.5, 2.5, and 6.0 months, respectively, after initial diagnosis. Of the seven patients treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy, one patient died of septicemia at 2.5 months after diagnosis and was disease-free at autopsy examination. Three other patients died of progressive disease at 7.0, 13.0, and 14.0 months, respectively. The three survivors remain alive at 17.0, 31.0, and 40.0 months from diagnosis; all are without evidence of disease. Of the three patients who underwent excision of the residual mediastinal tumor after cisplatin-based chemotherapy, persistent local disease was found in two patients. One of these two patients died of recurrent disease. All surviving patients had surgical resection of the tumor either before or after cisplatin-based chemotherapy, with or without radiotherapy and the timing of therapeutic interventions was guided by changes in the serum alpha-fetoprotein concentrations after initial therapy and during follow-up. Our experience suggests that the optimal management of patients with primary mediastinal endodermal sinus tumor requires an aggressive multidisciplinary approach guided by the extent of the tumor and the serum tumor marker levels.

Extraovarian pelvic yolk sac tumors

The clinical and pathologic features of four extraovarian pelvic yolk sac tumors (YST) are described. The women, 17 to 39 years of age, were found to have a pelvic mass on physical examination, or in one case, at cesarean section. The tumors were bulky and arose within, or in close proximity to, the uterus. One tumor involved the endometrial cavity and myometrium extensively, another was attached to the anterior uterine serosa, another was in the cul-de-sac, and one lay between the lower uterine segment and urinary bladder. The ovaries were grossly unremarkable in all cases. Peritoneal metastases were present at the time of operation in two patients and were documented on histologic examination in a third. The serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP) level was elevated postoperatively in the three patients in whom it was determined. Three of the YST were pure and had a typical histologic appearance, whereas the fourth had an endometrioid-like glandular pattern and was associated with a teratoma. Immunohistochemical stains performed in three cases all showed AFP and alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT). All patients received postoperative combination chemotherapy. Two of them died of tumor 14 and 24 months, respectively, postoperatively and two were disease-free 6 and 8.5 years, respectively, postoperatively.

Endodermal sinus (yolk sac) tumour of the liver. A case report and review of the literature

A primary endodermal sinus tumour of the liver which developed in a 27-year-old woman is reported. The dimensions of the tumour were 11 x 11 x 9.5 cm. Most parts were friable, haemorrhagic, and necrotic. No metastasis was found, but one part of the tumour was invading the diaphragm directly. Histologically, the tumour had mainly a reticular pattern, and partly a solid pattern, and was characterized by the presence of Schiller-Duval bodies and intra- and extracellular hyaline globules. A small part of the tumour showed a polyvesicular vitelline pattern and glandular structures with enteric differentiation. Serum alpha-fetoprotein was very high (28,500 ng/ml), but carcinoembryonic antigen was within the normal range. Immunohistochemically, most of the tumour cells contained alpha-fetoprotein and alpha-1-antitrypsin. Carcinoembryonic antigen and glutathione S-transferase, which was recently proved to be a useful marker for colonic carcinoma, were detected only in the glandular part Four previously reported cases of primary endodermal sinus tumour of the liver are reviewed.

Prolonged survival with conventional cisplatinum/vinblastine/bleomycin therapy alone for mediastinal endodermal sinus tumour

Combination chemotherapy with cisplatin, vinblastine, and bleomycin (PVB) is considered to be the best treatment for disseminated non-seminomatous germ cell tumours, with a 70% long term disease-free survival rate. For one subgroup of patients, those with primary mediastinal endodermal sinus tumours, results with PVB have been disappointing and more intensive regimens with major toxicity have recently been proposed. We report a patient who, following standard PVB chemotherapy, is one of the longest reported survivors of mediastinal endodermal sinus tumours. Optimal chemotherapy for endodermal sinus tumours is yet to be determined.

Yolk sac tumors of the ovary and the human yolk sac

In the present study a comparison was made between human yolk sacs and yolk sac tumors. Tubules surrounded by several to as many as 10 endodermal cells and intracellular tubules in one endodermal cell were frequently observed. The tubules were seen abundantly in the yolk sac of a 4-week pregnancy, and they resembled the reticular pattern of the yolk sac tumor. It was also observed that the papillary endoderm, which contained blood cells in the center and protruded into the endodermal tubules, resembled the Schiller-Duval body of yolk sac tumor. Ultrastructurally the tumor cells were similar to the yolk sac endoderm. alpha-Fetoprotein was positive in the yolk sac endoderm until approximately the seventh week of pregnancy. Yolk sac tumor was also alpha-fetoprotein-positive. In other words, our study of human yolk sacs of 4- to 11-week pregnancies presumes that the yolk sac tumor resembles the endoderm of 4- to 7-week pregnancies.

Endodermal sinus tumor of the mediastinum. A report of seven cases and review of the literature

Primary mediastinal endodermal sinus tumor is rare, and to date only 49 cases have been described in the English-language literature. Seven new cases are reported. Light microscopic examination showed characteristic features including papillary, reticular, tubular and solid growth patterns, complete or incomplete Schiller-Duval bodies and intracellular or extracellular periodic acid-Schiff-positive material. Immunohistochemical studies showed alpha-1-antitrypsin in seven, alpha-fetoprotein in seven, keratin in six, and carcinoembryonic antigen in four cases. The beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin, albumin, fibronectin, and transferrin were not found in any case. Electron microscopic studies performed in four cases showed intracellular and extracellular basement membrane-like material, multiple large multivesicular bodies, desmosomes and microvilli. Mediastinal endodermal sinus tumor can and must be differentiated from poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma metastatic or extending to the mediastinum because of the distinctly different prognoses and therapies. In spite of modern chemotherapy, the prognosis of mediastinal endodermal sinus tumor remains poor. The single most important prognostic indicator is whether the tumor mass can be completely excised before or after chemotherapy.

Successful treatment of yolk sac tumor of the lower abdominal wall with lymph node metastases

We report a case of a primary yolk sac tumor of the lower abdominal wall with inguinal lymph node metastases. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case originating in the lower abdominal wall. Radical surgery was performed, followed by combination chemotherapy consisting of bleomycin, vinblastine and cis-platinum. The patient has been free of disease for more than 2 years.

Primary mediastinal germinomas in females: a case report and review of the literature

Primary mediastinal germinomas in females are rare. Long-term survival ranges from 50 to 81%, depending on the initial extent of disease. Initial spread occurs intrathoracically and to regional nodes with late hematogenous dissemination. The roles of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are discussed.

Endodermal sinus tumor of the vagina: a report of nine cases and review of the literature

Nine cases of endodermal sinus tumor of the vagina from children 6 months to 2 years of age are reported. The two patients treated before the advent of modern chemotherapy died 6 to 13 months postoperatively despite attempted complete surgical resection of the tumor in one of the cases. One patient who was treated initially by hysterectomy and vaginectomy had lung metastases 6 months postoperatively and died despite chemotherapy. Six patients who were treated by a surgical procedure and received vincristine, actinomycin D, and cyclophosphamide, with radiation therapy in two cases, were alive and free of disease from 2 to 9 years postoperatively.

Endodermal sinus tumor (yolk sac tumor) of the orbit

The endodermal sinus tumor is a malignant germ cell neoplasm that usually arises in gonads, but on rare occasion occurs in extragonadal locations. Five tumors of the orbit, which by light microscopy displayed features characteristic of gonadal endodermal sinus tumor, were tested for the presence of alpha fetoprotein using paraffin-embedded tissue and an immunoperoxidase technique. Each tumor contained intracytoplasmic alpha fetoprotein. Review of the clinical histories revealed that orbital endodermal sinus tumors differ from other extragonadal endodermal sinus tumors in that they occur at a younger age and when treated aggressively can result in long-term survival. In children with rapidly progressive proptosis the distinction between endodermal sinus tumor and rhabdomyosarcoma poses diagnostic difficulties for both the clinician and the pathologist. When considering the diagnosis of endodermal sinus tumor, the use of immunohistochemical testing for alpha fetoprotein can be helpful.

Effective treatment for malignant mediastinal teratoma

Primary malignant mediastinal teratoma is a rare tumour previously regarded as inevitably fatal. In a series of eight male patients with a mean age of 24 years five remain alive and well. All patients showed raised serum concentrations of human chorionic gonadotrophin or alpha fetoprotein. The patients were treated with intermittent combination chemotherapy that included cisplatin. Six patients responded to chemotherapy with a fall in human chorionic gonadotrophin or alpha fetoprotein to near normal levels and they then had radical excision of the remaining tumour. Living malignant tumour was found in four of the specimens and these patients received postoperative chemotherapy. One patient died after eight months and the remaining five patients are alive and well 13-136 months after the start of treatment. The two patients who did not undergo surgery died at one month and 15 months. Intermittent combination chemotherapy and carefully timed radical excision of these tumours would appear to have produced better results than have been reported in other series.

Yolk sac tumor of the bladder

A 1-year-old white boy presented with hematuria and was found to have a large polypoid bladder mass. Light and electron microscopic, and immunohistochemical diagnosis was a yolk sac (endodermal sinus) tumor. This is the first case of a primary yolk sac tumor of the bladder to be described in the English literature.

Extragonadal endodermal sinus tumors in children: a review of 24 cases

Endodermal sinus tumors (EST) are highly malignant lesions with a tendency to recur locally and with a high incidence of metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. The clinical and radiographic spectra of 24 patients with extragonadal EST are reported. There were 17 females and seven males and the mean age of presentation was 21 months. The primary lesion occurred in the sacrococcygeal region in 16 patients; in the vagina in two patients; in the anterior mediastinum in two patients; and in the bladder, liver, nasopharynx and posterior cranial fossa in one patient each. Computed tomography (CT) is the most accurate study in delineating the extent of primary lesions particularly in the pelvis and head and neck and also for demonstrating metastatic disease in the lungs. Significant improvement in survival rates is obtained with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Comparative morphology of endodermal sinus tumor (Teilum) to human yolk sac and a proposal of endodermal cell tumor

Histological criteria of 8 pure and typical endodermal sinus tumor (EST) were compared with the morphological features of 8 human yolk sacs from 5 to 13 weeks of pregnancy. No common features were found with regard to endodermal sinus structure (ESS) and clear-cell entoblastic pattern (CCEP), but magma reticulare (MR) and eosinophilic hyaline globules (EHG) were detected as common findings. As to the morphology and synthesis of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), some tumor cells with eosinophilic-granular cytoplasm lining ESS had similarity to the endodermal cell of human yolk sac. Histological features of EST mimicked the morphological structure of endodermal sinus in rodent yolk sac. Pathological study on an ovarian and a gastric adenocarcinoma with high level of AFP concentration demonstrated two cell patterns with eosinophilic-granular and clear cytoplasm showing analogousness to the endodermal cell of human yolk sac. It was suggested that these tumors showed a selective differentiation to the endodermal cell of human yolk sac and might be called ECT. Further study clarified that ovarian embryonal carcinoma or teratocarcinoma with higher AFP concentration had vitelline component of EST or ECT or both.

Endodermal sinus tumor (yolk-sac carcinoma) of the orbit

A 15-month-old boy with rapidly progressive proptosis had an unusual malignant germ-cell tumor of the orbit and nasopharynx identified as an endodermal sinus tumor (yolk-sac carcinoma). Endodermal sinus tumors arising in extra gonadal locations are highly malignant and generally lethal. The boy was treated with radiation and three-drug chemotherapy and has survived more than eight years.

Endodermal sinus tumor of the mediastinum

Endodermal sinus tumor (EST) of the mediastinum is a rare germ-cell neoplasm affecting mainly young adult males. Ten patients with EST were treated with a multimodality approach that included surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. All patients had relapses after achieving a transient response except one who is still in complete remission more than five years following the diagnosis of the disease. Optimal therapy for this neoplasm has yet to be discovered. The disease is a subset of extragonadal germ cell tumors which appears to be lethal in most cases, particularly when the primary tumor is unresectable. The first case of five-year disease-free survival is described.

Successful treatment of metastatic extragonadal endodermal sinus (yolk sac) tumor in childhood

Two children with metastatic extragonadal endodermal sinus tumor who had failed VAC chemotherapy were treated with combination chemotherapy consisting of cis-platinum, vinblastine, doxorubicin HCl (Adriamycin) and bleomycin (cis-VAB). There was a complete response in both patients with one child remaining tumor-free 3 1/2 years after metastasis and 2 1/2 years after stopping therapy. The main toxic reactions encountered were associated with the use of cis-platinum, but these were manageable and resolved upon completion of therapy. Cis-VAB appears to be a safe and effective regimen for the treatment of metastatic endodermal sinus tumor. A study of the efficacy of cis-VAB in a larger group of children with endodermal sinus tumor of poor prognosis seems indicated.

Endodermal sinus tumour of the ovary: the place of alphafetoprotein detection, surgery and chemotherapy

New developments in the management of the rare endodermal sinus tumour of the ovary, together with the reporting of 2 additional patients, are presented. There is a need for accurate clinical and pathological evaluation of the disease. As shown in the present study, histochemical staining for alphafetoprotein (AFP) provides an additional factor in diagnosis, and monitoring of AFP levels in serum is a useful guide to treatment. The prognosis, previously uniformly poor, appears to be improved with the use of multidrug chemotherapy. In a collated series of 98 patients, the 24-month survival rate was 65% in Stage I disease and 67% in Stage II disease. However, the choice of effective drugs remains uncertain. The improved survival of young patients with aggressive chemotherapy has now raised the question of preservation of fertility at the time of surgery. In a small collated series of 26 patients with Stage I disease, survival to 36 months was not jeopardized by the conservative removal of one tube and ovary.

Germ cell tumours of childhood: a review of 137 cases

One hundred and thirty-seven germ cell tumours occurring in 134 children included in the Manchester University Children's Tumour Registry over a 25-year period have been studied. The incidence and sites of these tumours as seen in a comprehensive population-based registry are presented and the relation between the primary site and histological type is assessed. There were 48 deaths in this series of which 34 were directly due to the tumour. The cause of death in the other 14 cases is given. The behaviour of the germ cell tumours was closely related to the presence of yolk sac elements.

Chemotherapy for primary retroperitoneal yolk sac tumor: report of a case

A case of primary extragonadal yolk sac tumor occurring in the retroperitoneum of a young adult male was studied. The chemotherapy of this tumor has not previously been described for cases of extragonadal origin. A combination of cyclophosphamide, vinblastine, bleomycin, cis-diamminedichloroplatinum, actinomycin-D, and chlorambucil was used. A partial response and dramatic prolongation of survival was achieved, compared with previously reported cases.

Endodermal sinus (yolk sac) tumors in infants and children

Endodermal sinus tumors, as a specific entity, were first proposed and described by Teilum on the basis of morphological and histogenetic features. Recent work utilizing tumor markers (alpha-fetoprotein), immunofluorescent and electron microscopic studies have supported Teilum's original concept as to the origin of these tumors. Five typical presentations of endodermal sinus tumors seen in the pediatric age group were reviewed with reference to the original presentation, the utilization of tumor markers (alpha-fetoprotein) and the prognostic implications of this neoplasm.

Endodermal sinus tumor of the pineal region: case report and review of literature

This is a case report of an endodermal sinus tumor occurring in the pineal region of a 14-year-old boy who died 4 weeks after surgery and irradiation. Germ cell tumors of this type demonstrate a selective overgrowth of yolk sac endoderm associated with extraembryonic mesoblast and arise preferentially in the gonads of young children. This tumor in the pineal region is rare and carries a grave prognosis as in other extragonadal sites. A summary of previously reported cases is also presented.

The endodermal sinus tumor: special features

Eight cases of endermal sinus tumor, two extragonadal and six gonadal, seen at the American University of Beirut are reviewed. Three of them present special clinical and pathologic features that further substantiate the extraembryonic origin of this teratoid tumor and its association with dysgenetic gonads. We consider the two histologic types, endodermal sinus pattern and polyvesicular vitelline architecture, to be part of the same tumor. The prognosis in this series was unfavorable.

Teratomas in children and young adults

A review of all teratomas seen at the University of Wisconsin Hospital between 1965 and 1977 revealed that sacrococcygeal and presacral teratomas were most common. In these cases survival was best in infants less than one year old, with the exception of two cases of malignant medulloepithelioma. Testicular teratomas were predominant in the young adult male, and survival was poor. Pathology and treatment of teratomas are discussed, with an accompanying discussion of congenital anomalies associated with teratomas.

Mesonephroid (clear cell) carcinoma of the ovary and endometrium: a comparative prospective clinico-pathological study and review of literature

Seventeen cases of mesonephroid (clear cell) primary ovarian adenocarcinoma together with 6 cases of its analogous endometrial tumor have been studied over the decade ending 1976. Eleven of the ovarian tumors and all six of the endometrial tumors formed part of a personal consecutive series of 64 primary ovarian carcinomas and 114 primary endometrial carcinomas seen during the same period, these cases being studied prospectively. The remaining 6 ovarian tumors were studied retrospectively. Aims were to reexamine evidence for considering these tumors as distinct and homogenous groups; to reexamine evidence regarding their histogenesis; to investigate the concordance between the ovarian and endometrial tumor; and to reexamine clinical, pathological, therapeutic, and survival data relevant to these tumors. Full clinical, pathological, therapeutic, and survival details are recorded. It is suggested that present evidence indicates complete compatibility between the three major current views regarding histogenesis of the ovarian tumors; that in only a small proportion of cases is there histogenic coincidence between the ovarian and endometrial lesions; and that, pending further investigation, separation of the endometrial clear cell carcinomas from other nonclear endometrial carcinomas should be on a provisional basis only. Suggestions are made for further investigations into the prognostic aspects of these tumors.

Endodermal sinus tumor: the Stanford experience and the first reported case arising in the vulva

A review of the histology, clinical findings and results of therapy in 9 females with endodermal sinus tumor (EST) is presented. Five patients had histologically pure EST; 4 had EST mixed with other germ cell components. The site of primary tumor was the ovary in 8 of the 9 females; the remaining patient with an extraovarian primary represents the first reported case of EST arising in the vulva. The addition of combination chemotherapy has prolonged survival over historical controls treated with surgery or surgery plus irradiation. Adjuvant chemotherapy appears warranted as treatment for occult metastatic disease; postoperative radiation therapy appears useful in providing local control of primary disease. There is a suggestion of increased sensitivity of EST to combination chemotherapy as compared to other germ cell histologies with which it is commonly admixed.

Primary yolk-sac (endodermal sinus) tumor of the prostate

A primary yolk-sac (endodermal sinus) tumor of the prostate occurring in a 51-year-old man is described, and the difficulties associated with classification of this tumor are discussed. Yolk-sac tumors have been reported to arise in several extragonadal sites, but to our knowledge this is the first documented case of a germinal cell tumor occurring the the prostate. This tumor in extragonadal sites carries a grave prognosis. Despite radical surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, this patient died 10 months after the tumor was diagnosed.

Archenteronoma (yolk sac tumors)

Ten cases of archenteronoma are reviewed with a follow-up between 2 mo and 7 yr. Their presentation was similar to that of rhabdomyosarcoma except for testicular tumors that may present as a hydrocele. A good prognosis was found with tumors amenable to primary resection and chemotherapy. Other tumors are best treated initially with chemotherapy before relatively conservative surgery, radiotherapy being used either pre- or postoperatively.

Endodermal sinus tumor of the mediastinum. Ultrastructural study

This is the eighth case report of an endodermal sinus tumor of the mediastinum (first case studied by electron microscopy). The ultrastructure of the tumor was found to mimic that of the normal yolk sac and was also similar to that of three previously reported cases of endodermal sinus tumor of the ovary, thus confirming the correctness of Teilum's original interpretation of the tumor as arising in germ cells and differentiating towards extraembryonic structures.

The human yolk sac and yolk sac carcinoma. An ultrastructural study

The ultrastructure of the yolk sac of a 39 day old human embryo was studied. The subcellular organization was suggestive of a highly specialized absorptive function proceeding in an exocelomic-viteline direction. These findings, compatible with intense metabolic activity, are at variance with the concept of rapid involution of the yolk sac following completion of its hemopoietic and angiogenetic functions. The speculation is advanced that a potential avenue exists in the yolk sac whereby maternally derived products encounter fetal endoderm. Ultrastructural features in the normal yolk sac were compared to those existing in a tumor showing the "endodermal sinus" pattern, and reviewed in the light of the pertinent literature. These findings support the concept that attributes an endomesoblastic derivation to such neoplasms.

Endodermal sinus tumour of the ovary: a comparative light and electron microscopic study

An endodermal sinus tumour of the ovary from a 12 year old girl is analysed light- and electron microscopically. The histological appearance is characterized by glandular-papillary structures and microcystic-reticular areas with inclusion of occasional endodermal sinuses. By electron microscopy immature and highly differentiated cells can be distinguished. In analogy to certain structures in the human yolk sac the most differentiated cells in the tumour are regarded as neoplastic endoderm. On the basis of transitional forms between immature and differentiated cells a development of the latter from the former is suggested. The cells in mesenchyme-like areas differ from those of solid and glandular parts merely in the degree of cytoplasmic differentiation but are otherwise believed to represent the same "cell line". In addition to other possible cell functions the cytoplasmic features of the differentiated cell indicates a protein synthesis and secretion. From our observations it is concluded that the endodermal sinus tumour originates from germ cells and differentiates into yolk sac endoderm. The ultrastructural differences between this tumour and clear cell carcinomas of the ovary are discussed.

Primary intracranial yolk sac tumor: immunofluorescent demonstration of alpha-fetoprotein synthesis

An autopsy case of 20-year-old male with primary intracranial yolk sac tumor (endodermal sinus tumor) is reported. Whereas the biopsy specimen obtained from the pineal region showed diffuse proliferation of atypical tumor cells, the metastatic subdural tumor removed from lumbar spinal region had the characteristic histologic appearance of yolk sac tumor. The histologic diagnosis was intracranial yolk sac tumor originating in the pineal gland. The elevated amount of alpha-fetoprotein in the cerebrospinal fluid and in the serum further supported the diagnosis. At autopsy, only metastatic tumor was present in the posterior fossa. The immunofluorescence study demonstrated the presence of intra- and extracellular alpha-fetoprotein globules in the tumor tissue. The intra- and extracellular distribution of alpha-fetoprotein, in general, appeared to coincide with that of the PAS-positive hyaline globules in the tumor.