This type of germ cell tumor is usually located within the chest. The treatment for this type of germ cell tumor is covered later in this summary. An ovary is a small organ that holds the eggs that can develop into a baby. Germ cell tumors form in developing cells and usually contain tissues that are foreign to the location of the tumor. Germ cell tumors can further be classified as teratomas or malignant germ cell tumors.
Most teratomas are mature and develop into benign tumors.
In order to stage a germ cell tumor, the patient may undergo a surgical procedure. Knowing the stage of the disease will assist the doctor in effectively planning further treatment. Stage II Cancer has spread to surrounding tissues or lymph nodes, and surgery cannot remove all cancer cells from the surrounding tissues. Stage III Cancer has spread to surrounding tissues, has affected several lymph nodes, is found in fluid in the abdomen, and surgery cannot remove the entire tumor from the surrounding tissues. Stage IV Cancer has spread to other organs in the body.