Central Nervous System Germinoma Differential Diagnoses

Updated: Mar 25, 2021
  • Author: Amani A AlKofide, MD; Chief Editor: Herbert H Engelhard, III, MD, PhD, FACS, FAANS  more...
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DDx

Diagnostic Considerations

Delay in diagnosis is a significant concern in central nervous system (CNS) germ cell tumors (GCTs). Sethi et al reported that diagnosis was delayed for 6 months or longer in 38 of 70 children with CNS GCTs. [51] Endocrine symptoms are very common in young patients with CNS GCTs and can appear long before neuroimaging verification is possible. [64] Delay in diagnosis has major implications on the prognosis and the risk of dissemination of disease.

Other problems to consider in the differential diagnosis include the following:

  • Glial tumors - Astrocytomas, gangliomas
  • Granular cell tumor
  • Hamartomas
  • Meningiomas
  • Xanthogranuloma

Differential Diagnoses