Intramural and Adapted-Germ Cell Neoplasia In situ

Abstract

Germ cell neoplasia in situ emerges as a precursor lesion configuring type II germ cell tumours as testicular seminoma or post-pubertal non-seminomatous testicular germ cell tumours. Lesion is comprised of neoplastic gonocyte-like cells, latent totipotent or naive germ cells with developmental potential situated within ‘spermatogonial niche’ of seminiferous tubules. Germ cell neoplasia in situ delineates an increased incidence with conditions as uncorrected cryptorchidism, ambiguous genitalia, infertility or preceding history of post-pubertal germ cell tumour within contralateral testis. Neoplasm demonstrates aneuploidy or polypoid genotype with additional chromosomal gains as is chromosome 12p upon commencement of neoplastic invasion. Neoplastic cells appear enlarged, atypical, gonocyte-like and are incorporated with abundant, clear cytoplasm, enlarged, hyper chromatic nuclei, coarse nuclear chromatin, angulated cellular margins and prominent nucleoli.