What is a germ cell tumor?

A germ cell tumor is an abnormal growth that occurs as a result of abnormal reproductive cells, according to Mayo Clinic. The tumor can either be benign or malignant.

Malignant germ cell tumors mostly attack the testicles and ovaries in males and females respectively, constituting testicular cancer in males and ovarian cancer in females, as Mayo Clinic explains. Other areas of the body that may be prone to germ cell tumor attack include the brain, chest and abdomen; however, the tumor rarely attacks these three areas. Irrespective of how long the germ cell tumors have been present, most of them respond to treatment.