What Is A Germ Cell Tumour?

Germ cell tumours are rare, boys are more likely to be affected than girls and teenagers more than small children. During pregnancy, germ cells travel from the yolk sac along the umbilical cord to the developing baby usually to form the testes or the ovaries.

Sometimes some germ cells move to other parts of the body where they can develop into tumours including the brain although it is less common. Indra's is at the pineal region.

There are two types of germ cell tumour, germinoma's and non-germinomatous (secreting) tumours.

Indra has a non-germinomatous tumour. They are a mixed group of tumours made up of a mixture of germ cell types. They can be treated with chemotherapy, radiation and sometimes surgery.