Abstract
Mediastinal germ cell tumors are extragonadal germ cell tumors (EGGCTs) commonly seen in children and young adults. They are more common in men. Clinically they are classified as teratomas, seminomas, and nonseminomatous germ cell tumors. Primary mediastinal yolk sac neoplasm is an extremely rare tumor. We present here a very rare case of primary yolk sac tumor of the anterior mediastinum in a 73-year-old male. Mediastinal germ cell tumors have a worse prognosis than gonadal germ cell tumors. Chemotherapy followed by adjuvant surgery improves overall response in EGGCTs. However, comorbidities can render treatment with chemotherapy and surgery challenging in elderly patients.
Highlights
Yolk sac tumor is a subtype of germ cell tumor that is highly malignant
We present a very rare case of an elderly 73-year-old male with primary yolk sac tumor of the mediastinum
Extragonadal germ cell tumors (ECGCTs) are rare and most can arise in the pineal gland, retroperitoneum, and the mediastinum [7]
Summary
In addition to presenting in ovaries and testes, the tumor has been detected at several extragonadal sites such as the retroperitoneum, sacrococcygeal region, pineal gland, and the anterior mediastinum [1]. Primary yolk sac tumor (YST) of the anterior mediastinum is rare and has a grave prognosis. Like other germ cell tumors (GCTs), YST is predominantly a disease of young adults and the average age at diagnosis is 18 years [1]. A few cases of gonadal and extragonadal germ cell tumors have been reported in elderly patients as well [3,4,5,6]. We present a very rare case of an elderly 73-year-old male with primary yolk sac tumor of the mediastinum
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
