Extragonadal dysgerminoma presenting as neck metastasis and masquerading as a thyroid swelling

Abstract

Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are common tumors of gonads. Their occurrence at extragonadal sites, either as primary tumors or as metastatic foci, is rare. Extragonadal GCTs have a prevalence of 1–2.5% of all GCTs with mediastinum being the most common site of involvement, followed by retroperitoneum, pineal gland, and sacrococcygeal region. Involvement of other extragonadal sites, including lymph nodes, is usually associated with metastatic disease. We report a case of a young female with an atypical presentation of a swelling in the left neck region creating a clinical and pathological dilemma.