Malignant transformation of germ cell tumor with teratomatous component into advanced retroperitoneal sarcoma - case report and literature review

  • Igor Petrovic Department of Surgery, University Hospital Centre, Zagreb, Croatia
  • Ivan Romic Department of Surgery, University Hospital Centre, Zagreb, Croatia
  • Goran Pavlek Department of Surgery, University Hospital Centre, Zagreb, Croatia
  • Ana Ettinger Department of Surgery, General Hospital Varazdin, Varazdin, Croatia
  • Mirna Bajt School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
  • Tonko Čolić School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Keywords: sarcoma, retroperitoneal, germ cell tumor

Abstract

Background: A late-relapse germ cell tumor (GCT) might contain malignant non-germ cell tumor cells, known as „somatic-type malignancy” (SM). Development of secondary SM is extremely rare and occurs in only 1% of patients with GCT.

Case study: We present the case of a 42-year-old patient who developed retroperitoneal tumor with duodenal and right colon involvement 6 years after he underwent left orchidectomy for stage IIC mixed GCT (95% seminoma, 5% teratoma). Since the tumor markers for germline tumor were normal, another type of tumor was highly suspected, most likely a malignant alteration of the residual teratoma. Tumor was completely removed and pathological report suggested undifferentiated sarcoma.

Conclusion: R0 resection and postoperative patient follow-up by the protocol for at least 6 years after orhidectomy is the key to successful treatment of GCT. Malignant tumor transformations are rare, but still possible so clinicians should be aware of the importance of frequent and adequate patient monitoring.

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Published
2019-11-03
How to Cite
1.
Petrovic I, Romic I, Pavlek G, Ettinger A, Bajt M, Čolić T. Malignant transformation of germ cell tumor with teratomatous component into advanced retroperitoneal sarcoma - case report and literature review. Acta Chir. Croat. [Internet]. 2019Nov.3 [cited 2025Apr.25];16(1):17-0. Available from: https://acc.hkd.com.hr/index.php/ACC/article/view/87
Section
Case Reports

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