Mediastinal germ cell tumors: a radiologic-pathologic review

Germ cell tumors of the sensitive in depicting infiltration of mediastinum are histologically identical to those found in the testes and ovaries. Earl y diagnosis and treatment improve the survival rate. Imaging studies of ter atoma demonstrate a rounded, often lobulated heterogeneous mass containing, soft tissue elements with fluid and fat attenuation. Calcification is pres ent in 20-43% of cases. Seminomas are large masses of homogeneous soft tiss ue attenuation. Malignant non of Radiology, seminomatous germ cell tumors a re heterogeneous tumors with irregular borders due to invasion of adjacent structures. CT shows the location and extent of the tumors as well as intri nsic elements including soft tissue, fat, fluid, and calcification. CT is t he modality of choice for the diagnostic evaluation of these tumors. MRI re veals masses of heterogeneous signal intensity, is more sensitive in depict ing infiltration of the adjacent structures by fat plane obliteration, and is performed as an ancillary study.