What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Embryonal Carcinoma of the Testicles
• Testicular Embryonal Carcinoma 

What is Embryonal Carcinoma of the Testis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Embryonal Carcinoma of the Testis is a type of testicular cancer affecting the germ cells. Germ cells are precursors to sperm cells that will eventually transform into sperms
• The testes are the male reproductive organs, equivalent to the ovaries in women. They are housed in the scrotum; the sac-like structure in the groin. The testis have 2 main functions:
  • Male hormone production
  • Sperm production     
• Testicular cancer is cancer of the testicle, or testis. It is the most common form of cancer in young men aged 15-35 years. It is generally aggressive, but treatable when identified early
• More than 90% of testicular cancers arise from abnormalities in the germ cells. Germ cells are one of the two types of cells in the body. They form sex cells - the sperms and eggs, while the other type, somatic cells, forms everything else (all other body organs and parts)
• Normal germ cells arise from pluripotent stem cells. Pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into, or become, any cell in the body. Thus, pluripotent stem cells may become either germ cells or somatic cells
• The process of pluripotent stem cells becoming other cell types is mediated by chemical signaling. Chemicals that act as signals include growth factors, nutrients, and hormones
• Stem cells that do not respond to normal signals may grow uncontrollably and cause tumors. This tumor-causing potential makes them “neoplastic”. Neoplastic cells that grow aggressively and spread to other areas are cancerous
• There are two types of testicular cancer:
  • Seminoma: It is a slow-growing cancer affecting men in their 30s and 40s, which is usually confined to the testis. These are of 2 types - classical and spermatocytic seminoma
  • Nonseminoma: It is a fast-growing cancer affecting males in their late teens through 30s, which aggressively metastasizes, or spreads. These are of 4 types - embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, and teratoma       
• The cause for Embryonal Carcinoma of the Testis is unknown. It appears under the microscope as a tumor resembling early developing fertilized eggs or embryos, hence the term “embryonal”
• In a vast majority of cases, the prognosis of Embryonal Carcinoma of the Testis is excellent with adequate treatment, which may involve a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy

Who gets Embryonal Carcinoma of the Testis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

Males at risk for Embryonal Carcinoma of the Testis include:

• Individuals in their late teens (around 17-19 years) through the early 30s
• Caucasians 

What are the Risk Factors for Embryonal Carcinoma of the Testis? (Predisposing Factors)

Following are factors that increase one’s susceptibility to Embryonal Carcinoma of the Testis:

• Family history of testicular cancer
• Caucasian descent
• Age 25 to 35 years
• Undescended testes in youth
• Decreased immunity, especially due to HIV/AIDS
• Kidney transplant
• Presence of carcinoma in situ (CIS), or intra-tubular germ cell neoplasia
• Hypospadias (male birth defect affecting the urethra)
• Inguinal hernia
• Testicular atrophy
• Gonadal dysgenesis
• Infertility
• Smoking
• Exposure to radiation and industrial chemicals
• Chemotherapy
• Viruses (in some rare cases) 

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others. 

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider. 

What are the Causes of Embryonal Carcinoma of the Testis? (Etiology)

The cause of Embryonal Carcinoma of the Testis is unknown.

• It is believed that abnormal differentiation of germ cells gives rise to cancerous cells that lead to the formation of this condition
• However, how this occurs and the factors that cause it remain under investigation
• Descent of the testicles is a necessary factor for proper testicular development. It has been observed that undescended testicles (cryptorchidism) are associated with about 10% of all germ cell tumors such as Embryonal Carcinoma of the Testis 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Embryonal Carcinoma of the Testis?

Indications for Embryonal Carcinoma of the Testis include:

• Blood in vomit and cough
• Blood in stool, urine
• Trouble breathing
• Headache
• Low blood pressure
• Anemia
• Testicular pain, lump in the testes, feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• Abdominal pain and swelling
• Breast pain, especially if accompanied by enlargement
• Back pain
• Swelling of the legs
• Constipation
• Changes in appetite
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination
• Paralysis 

How is Embryonal Carcinoma of the Testis Diagnosed?

Following are techniques that aid in identifying Embryonal Carcinoma of the Testis:

• Physical examination to detect lumps in the testicles, which do not allow light to pass through
• Tissue biopsy followed by microscopic and analysis and staining
• Blood tests that include:
  • Complete blood cell count (CBC) blood test
  • Liver function blood test (LFT)     
  • Serum tumor marker blood test to detect increases in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
  • Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) blood test
  • Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) blood test
  • Testosterone levels blood test
• Genetic testing to determine mutations associated with Testicular Embryonal Carcinoma
• Radiological imaging including:
  • X-ray of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis
  • Ultrasound of the pelvis     
  • Computerized tomography (CT) scan of the brain
  • Vascular radiological studies
  • Whole body bone scan
  • Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis. 

What are the possible Complications of Embryonal Carcinoma of the Testis?

Following are complications that may arise from Embryonal Carcinoma of the Testis:

• Infertility
• Retrograde ejaculation
• Excessive blood loss
• Metastasis and the loss of function of the organ/area to which the cancer has spread
• Tumor recurrence after treatment 

How is Embryonal Carcinoma of the Testis Treated?

Treatments for Embryonal Carcinoma of the Testis may include the following procedures:

• Removal of the original tumor and the metastatic tumors
• Removal of the testis
• Debulking surgery to reduce tumor size, followed by chemotherapy
• Clotting the vessels in the tumor (embolization)
• Chemotherapy
• Radiotherapy
• Undertaking treatment of underlying conditions 

How can Embryonal Carcinoma of the Testis be Prevented?

Embryonal Carcinoma of the Testis may be avoided through the following measures:

• Monthly testicular self-examination
• Genetic testing in individuals with a family history
• Limiting exposure to radiation and industrial chemicals
• Limiting chemotherapy
• Not smoking 

What is the Prognosis of Embryonal Carcinoma of the Testis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Embryonal Carcinoma of the Testis is generally excellent. The cure rates with multi-modal therapy are around 95%.

• In about 60% of the cases, the tumor is found to have metastasized outside the testis. However, despite such frequent incidences of metastasis at the time of diagnosis, the prognosis is still excellent
• In general, the following factors may determine the prognosis of the condition:
  • Size of the tumor
  • Stage of the tumor      
  • Age of the individual
  • Overall health of the individual
  • Tumor location in the testes
  • Number of tumor masses present within the testes

Commonly, nonseminomatous germ cell tumors of the testes have worse prognosis when compared to seminomatous germ cell tumors of the testes. Given the recent advances in treatments, the overall prognoses of both nonseminomatous and seminomatous germ cell tumors are typically excellent.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Embryonal Carcinoma of the Testis:

• Testicular cancers are aggressive in nature; they are also very quick to develop. Nonetheless, they are readily treatable
• Embryonal Carcinoma of the Testis occurs mixed with other forms of testicular cancers in 80% of the cases. This is less dangerous than ‘pure’ embryonal carcinoma, which occurs in 8-10% of the cases
• Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in US men aged 15 to 35 years. However, it is still relatively uncommon, with 5,500 cases in the US each year and 0.2-10.3 cases worldwide per 100,000 persons