Overview
Non-seminomatous germ cell tumor of the testis (NSGCT) is a type of testicular cancer that develops from the germ cells, which are the cells that normally produce sperm. Unlike seminomas, which are the other main type of testicular cancer, non-seminomatous tumors tend to grow and spread more quickly and typically occur at a slightly younger age. NSGCT includes several subtypes: embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac tumor, choriocarcinoma, and teratoma, and many tumors contain a mix of these types. The most common first sign is a painless lump or swelling in one testicle. Some men may also notice a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, a dull ache in the lower belly or groin, or breast tenderness caused by hormones the tumor produces. If the cancer has spread, symptoms can include back pain, shortness of breath, or swollen lymph nodes. The good news is that testicular cancer, including NSGCT, is one of the most treatable cancers, even when it has spread beyond the testicle. Treatment typically starts with surgical removal of the affected testicle (called a radical orchiectomy). Depending on the stage and type, additional treatment may include chemotherapy (most commonly a combination called BEP — bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin), surgery to remove remaining lymph nodes, or active surveillance with regular check-ups. Cure rates are very high, often exceeding 90% even in advanced cases, making early detection and proper treatment extremely important.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Painless lump or swelling in one testicleFeeling of heaviness in the scrotumDull ache in the lower belly or groin areaSudden buildup of fluid in the scrotumBreast tenderness or swellingBack pain from spread to lymph nodesShortness of breath if cancer spreads to lungsCoughing or coughing up blood in advanced casesUnexplained weight lossFatigueSwollen lymph nodes in the neck or groinTesticular pain or discomfortHeadaches or confusion if cancer spreads to the brain
Multifactorial
Caused by a mix of several genes and environmental factors
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Non-seminomatous germ cell tumor of testis.
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
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Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What is the exact stage and subtype of my non-seminomatous germ cell tumor, and what does that mean for my treatment plan?,Should I bank sperm before starting treatment, and how do I arrange this quickly?,What are my treatment options, and what are the cure rates for my specific situation?,What short-term and long-term side effects should I expect from the recommended treatment?,How often will I need follow-up visits, blood tests, and scans after treatment, and for how long?,Will I need additional surgery after chemotherapy, and what does that involve?,Are there clinical trials available that might be appropriate for my case?
Common questions about Non-seminomatous germ cell tumor of testis
What is Non-seminomatous germ cell tumor of testis?
Non-seminomatous germ cell tumor of the testis (NSGCT) is a type of testicular cancer that develops from the germ cells, which are the cells that normally produce sperm. Unlike seminomas, which are the other main type of testicular cancer, non-seminomatous tumors tend to grow and spread more quickly and typically occur at a slightly younger age. NSGCT includes several subtypes: embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac tumor, choriocarcinoma, and teratoma, and many tumors contain a mix of these types. The most common first sign is a painless lump or swelling in one testicle. Some men may also notice a fe
How is Non-seminomatous germ cell tumor of testis inherited?
Non-seminomatous germ cell tumor of testis follows a multifactorial inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Non-seminomatous germ cell tumor of testis typically begin?
Typical onset of Non-seminomatous germ cell tumor of testis is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat Non-seminomatous germ cell tumor of testis?
11 specialists and care centers treating Non-seminomatous germ cell tumor of testis are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.