Germ Cell Tumors

beta-hCG is typically elevated in both seminomatous and nonseminomatous germ cell tumors, but non-seminomatous germ cell tumors typically also produce AFP, which is not produced by seminomas.

Neuroblastoma

Mean age of onset = 2 years

most common extracranial childhood cancer

develops from neuroblasts located in the adrenal medulla

S/S

Retroperitoneal mass (displaces the kidney)

Hypertension

Anorexia, Wt. loss

Metastases:

Invasion of epidural space: "dumbbell tumor"

(spinal cord compression)

Bone marrow -> pancytopenia

Liver -> hepatomegaly

Skin -> palpable nodules

Periorbital -> proptosis, periorbital ecchymoses

Paraneoplastic syndrome => opsoclonus, myoclonus, truncal ataxia

Dx

Histology: