Germ cell tumor impersonating as a pleuropericardial cyst: a rare phenomenon

Abstract

A Mixed Germ Cell Tumor (MGCT) is a rare tumor with a low degree of differentiation. The most common sites are yolk sac and astrocytoma. Usually, it is gonadal, but in 5% of cases, it can present as extragonadal. The most common extragonadal site is the mediastinum, where the mediastinal mass sometimes mimics thymoma, lymphoma, pericardial cyst, and also occasionally causes pericardial tamponade. The presentations vary, ranging from accidental findings on routine radiography to life-threatening respiratory and cardiovascular compromission. We present an extragonadal MGCT case presenting as a mediastinal mass with symptoms of 1 year duration. The diagnosis was confirmed on Histopathological Examination (HPE) of surgically excised specimen. Given a possible life-threatening condition, a timely diagnosis is required.