Thalamic mixed germ cell tumor: A case report

Abstract

We report a case of thalamic mixed germ cell tumor of in a 13-year-old boy. The boy presented with headache, generalized seizures and right-sided paresis of recent onset. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass in the left thalamus with hydrocephalus. The histopathological examination of operated mass showed an immature teratoma with large areas of germinomatous components. The predominant components of immature teratoma were composed of several types of tissue representing different germinal layers (endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm) and showing varying degrees of differentiation. This was diagnosed as a mixed germ cell tumor. A subgroup of tumor secretes specific tumor markers, including α-fetoprotein and β-human chorionic gonadotrophin, which may be helpful in pre-operative diagnosis. Germinomas most often occur in pineal or supraseller region but occasionally develop in highly unusual locations like the thalamus. Those presenting in unusual locations pose a diagnostic challenge. Pre-operative diagnosis, however, may change the line of management.

Keywords

Thalamic tumor - mixed germ cell tumor - tumor markers