Overview
A yolk sac tumor — also called an endodermal sinus tumor — is a cancer that forms in cells that eventually become eggs or sperm. A type of germ cell tumor, yolk sac tumors usually start in either your ovaries or testicles. But in rare cases, these masses form in places other than your reproductive organs.
Although they’re rare overall, yolk sac tumors are the most common type of cancerous germ cell tumor diagnosed in children. They grow fast and spread quickly. They’re potentially fatal without treatment. But with early diagnosis, treatments can slow or prevent cancer spread. Early-stage yolk sac tumors are often curable.
Types of yolk sac tumors
Types of yolk sac tumors include:
- Testicular yolk sac tumors. A form of testicular cancer, these tumors are most common in children under 3 and people in their 20s and 30s. They’re usually diagnosed before they spread, while they’re curable.
- Ovarian yolk sac tumors. This aggressive form of ovarian cancer is most common in people 20 years old or younger. One-third of diagnoses involve children too young to have gotten their periods.
Like other types of germ cell tumors, yolk sac tumors sometimes form in places outside of your reproductive organs, in places like your brain, chest, abdomen or tailbone. These are called extragonadal germ cell tumors.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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