Germ Cell Tumors Germ cell tumors are formed from egg-making cells within the ovaries. They represent approximately 3% of all ovarian cancers in Western countries. Germ cell tumors tend to occur in young women, with a peak incidence among individuals who are in their early 20s. Like testicular cancer, these tumors usually are very curable. In addition, they are associated with specific markers (proteins) that are released into the blood, such as beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-HCG) …showed first 75 words of 536 total…

…showed last 75 words of 536 total…tumors are benign; however, their malignant potential is determined by their grade (see also Tumor Grade). Well-differentiated Sertoli-Leydig tumors usually behave in a benign manner, whereas poorly differentiated tumors tend to be malignant. In general, sex cord-stromal tumors are associated with hormonal effects such as virilization, the development of male secondary sex characteristics (e.g., a low voice, facial hair); precocious puberty, early sexual maturity; amenorrhea, absence/stopping of the menstrual period; or postmenopausal bleeding.