Advances in Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis of Yolk Sac Tumors: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Yolk sac tumor, also known as endodermal sinus tumor, is a rare and malignant germ cell tumor that typically arises in the gonads (testes and ovaries) but can also occur in extragonadal sites, such as the sacrococcygeal area or mediastinum. Yolk sac tumors arise from germ cells, which are the precursors of eggs in females and sperm cells in males. During normal embryonic development, germ cells migrate to the gonads (testes or ovaries) and differentiate into mature reproductive cells. Clinical mass-effect signs are the typical presentation of yolk sac tumours. These signs include rapid belly expansion, ascites, early satiety, and abdominal pain, among others. Children with testicular yolk sac tumours frequently appear with large, painless testicular lumps. Yolk sac tumours can be deadly or very damaging if left untreated. Depending on the characteristics of the tumour and its stage, a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy is usually employed to treat yolk sac tumours. Regular follow-up visits and imaging studies are typically conducted to monitor the patient's response to treatment, detect any recurrence, and manage potential late effects of therapy. Close collaboration between the healthcare team and the patient is essential to ensure the best possible outcomes. FDG PET/CT staging of YST in paediatric patients was only marginally better than traditional imaging. Keywords: Yolk sac tumor, Alpha-fetoprotein, F-fluorodeoxyglucose