Sternal Involvement in Anterior Mediastinal Seminoma - A Rare Presentation

Abstract

Primary malignant extra gonadal germ cell tumours (GCT) of mediastinum are very rare tumours, comprising 1 - 4 % of all mediastinal tumours.1 Even though they are rare tumours of mediastinum, they should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of mediastinal tumours in young adults. Primary malignant GCT can be divided into 2 groups: Seminomatous and non-seminomatous tumours. Mature teratomas (non-seminomatous) are the most common primary malignant germ cell tumours of mediastinum.2 Non-seminomatous tumours tend to be more aggressive than seminomatous tumours present as heterogeneous masses with areas of necrosis and show local invasion. Seminomas usually present as lobulated homogeneous masses and rarely show signs of local invasion. These tumours usually present with asymptomatic lesions or with symptoms due to compression of adjacent structures and usually have a better prognosis than non-seminomatous tumours. Here, we present a case of primary malignant extra gonadal seminoma with sternal involvement.