Testicular Germ Cell Tumours: A Review of Genetics, Morphology and Immunohistochemistry

Abstract

Testicular Germ Cell Tumours (TGCTs) are rare tumours but they are the most common solid malignancy in young males and second leading cause of mortality. They exhibit biological diversity making them interesting for academics. They are true experiments of nature making their genetics very interesting. They provide an apt model to study transformation of pluripotent cells from totipotent germ cell. The treatment modalities are different for TGCTs so pathologists must be very clear about the diagnosis, as the earlier correct diagnosis has high cure rate. This article reviews the genetics, histogenesis, morphological details of TGCTs with stress on use of immunohistochemical stains to differentiate tumours and various dilemmas faced by the pathologist.

Keywords

• genetics
• histogenesis
• testis