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World J Gastrointest Oncol. Dec 15, 2010; 2(12): 443-445
Published online Dec 15, 2010. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v2.i12.443
Published online Dec 15, 2010. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v2.i12.443
Retroperitoneal germ cell tumor diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration
Craig M Womeldorph, B Joseph Elmunzer, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
Mark M Zalupski, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
Stewart M Knoepp, Mohammad Soltani, Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
Author contributions: Womeldorph CM and Elmunzer BJ designed the research; Womeldorph CM, Zalupski MM, Knoepp SM, Soltani M and Elmunzer BJ conducted the research; Womeldorph CM and Elmunzer BJ wrote the manuscript.
Correspondence to: B Joseph Elmunzer, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan Medical Center, 3912 Taubman Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States. badihe@umich.edu
Telephone: +1-734-6154628 Fax: +1-734-9367392
Received: August 26, 2010
Revised: November 14, 2010
Accepted: November 21, 2010
Published online: December 15, 2010
Revised: November 14, 2010
Accepted: November 21, 2010
Published online: December 15, 2010
Abstract
Isolated extragonadal germ cell tumors can be primary in nature or metastatic from a burned out testicular cancer. Accurate diagnosis is critical as appropriate therapy can be highly curative. We present the case of an isolated extragonadal germ cell tumor in the retroperitoneum diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration. This case underscores the importance of considering germ cell tumors in the differential diagnosis of an unexplained retroperitoneal mass, particularly since immunophenotypic staining may be necessary to establish the diagnosis.