The tumours are sometimes given different names depending on where they develop e.g. yolk sac tumours, dysgerminomas and teratomas. Malignant tumours have the ability to grow and spread to other parts of the body. Benign tumours do not spread, but may cause problems by pressing on nearby tissue and body structures. The cause is unknown. The symptoms depend on where the tumour develops, but usually a lump appears that can either be felt or leads to other problems.
Tests are likely to include a biopsy.
A chest x-ray will be taken to see if there is a tumour in the lungs. A CT or MRI scan may be used to see the exact position of any tumour within the body. Blood tests are used as these tumours often produce proteins that can be measured in the blood. The levels of these proteins can be monitored. A parent's guide to children's cancers gives details of what the tests and scans involve.