What are common subtypes of testicular germ cell tumours?

What are common subtypes of testicular germ cell tumours?

• A. Embryonal carcinoma
• B. Leydig cell tumours
• C. Seminoma and non-seminomatous tumours
• D. Choriocarcinoma

Answer: (C)

Testicular germ cell tumours are typically considered in two broad groups: seminomas and non-seminomatous germ cell tumours. This division matters because it reflects differences in biology and treatment. Seminomas tend to be radiosensitive and have a more uniform histology, while non-seminomatous tumours encompass several other histologic types such as embryonal carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, teratoma, and yolk sac tumour. Leydig cell tumours, by contrast, are not germ cell tumours but belong to the sex cord-stromal category, so they aren’t part of the germ cell tumour subtypes. Therefore, the option that lists the two main categories—seminoma and non-seminomatous tumours—best captures the common framework used to describe these tumours.

Testicular germ cell tumours are typically considered in two broad groups: seminomas and non-seminomatous germ cell tumours. This division matters because it reflects differences in biology and treatment. Seminomas tend to be radiosensitive and have a more uniform histology, while non-seminomatous tumours encompass several other histologic types such as embryonal carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, teratoma, and yolk sac tumour. Leydig cell tumours, by contrast, are not germ cell tumours but belong to the sex cord-stromal category, so they aren’t part of the germ cell tumour subtypes. Therefore, the option that lists the two main categories—seminoma and non-seminomatous tumours—best captures the common framework used to describe these tumours.