Primary yolk sac tumor in diaphragm

Abstract

Yolk sac tumor (YST), also known as endodermal sinus tumor, is the most common pure malignant germ cell tumor in young children. Although most of the YST occur in gonads, about 20 % are found in the extragonadal sites including mediastinum, vagina, cervix, vulva, pelvis, liver, prostate, and diaphragm. Primary YST of the diaphragm in children is very rare. Here, we report a primary diaphragmatic yolk sac tumor in a 21-month-old boy. This is, to our knowledge, the sixth documented case of this nature.