Pediatric extragonadal germ cell tumor of the scalp

Extragonadal germ cell tumors are relatively rare tumors, accounting for 5% to 10% of all germ cell tumors in adults. In children, approximately two thirds of germ cell tumors are extragonadal. Extragonadal germ cell tumor of the scalp is exceedingly rare. The authors report the case of a 1 1/2-year-old boy with extragonadal germ cell tumor over the occipital region. Examination of the chest, abdomen, and gonads was normal. Computed tomography scan of the head showed a large, well-defined, lobulated, heterogeneously enhancing soft tissue mass lesion in the occipital region. The underlying bone was normal with no evidence of intracranial extension. Biopsy results of the scalp mass showed features consistent with embroynal carcinoma. Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level was elevated. The child was started on chemotherapy and received 4 cycles of cisplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin (PEB). There was more than 90% reduction in the size of the mass at the end of the fourth cycle. The residual mass was excised and followed up with 2 cycles of postoperative FEB. Ten months after excision the patient is well, without recurrence, and the AFP level is normal. Copyright (C) 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.