Abstract
Background:
The growing teratoma syndrome (GTS) consists of a mature teratoma paradoxically enlarging during or after chemotherapy for malignant nongerminomatous germ cell tumors.
Methods and results:
We report two cases of GTS occurring in association with NSGCT of the pineal gland. Although an unusual event, clinicians and radiologists should be aware of its natural history.
Conclusions:
When normalized tumor markers after chemotherapy are associated with imaging features of a growing mass, the hypothesis of GTS must be taken in consideration. When early diagnosed, GTS can be managed surgically with good results.
Publication types
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Case Reports
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adolescent
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Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
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Child, Preschool
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Drug Therapy / methods
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Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions*
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Humans
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Male
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Neoplasm Invasiveness / pathology
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Neoplasm Invasiveness / physiopathology
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Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / complications*
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Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / drug therapy*
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Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / pathology
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Pinealoma / complications*
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Pinealoma / drug therapy*
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Pinealoma / pathology
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Syndrome
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Teratoma / chemically induced*
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Teratoma / pathology
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Teratoma / surgery
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Treatment Outcome