Intracranial Germ Cell Tumor
Germ cell tumors (GCTs) arise from primordial germ cells that did not migrate appropriately during embryonic development. Residual primordial germ cells deposited in the brain give rise to intracranial germ cell tumors. These residual primordial germ cells tend to be located in the midline of the body; therefore intracranial germ cell tumors typically originate in the suprasellar or pineal region. Rarely GCTs originate in other midline intracranial locations including the basal ganglia, thalamus, and ventricles. Intracranial germ cell tumors are twice as likely to be located in the pineal region compared to the suprasellar region. Approximately 5-10% of cases have “bi-focal” disease, defined as simultaneous involvement of the suprasellar and pineal region. Intracranial germ cell tumors mainly occur in adolescents and young adults (peak incidence is 10-12 years of age) and are more commonly seen in boys. These tumors have the capacity to spread (metastasize) through the spinal fluid (leptomeningeal spread).