Extragonadal seminoma presenting as a large mass in the pelvic cavity without c-kit-activating mutations

Jpn J Clin Oncol. 2012 Jul;42(7):650-3. doi: 10.1093/jjco/hys065. Epub 2012 May 11.

Abstract

Extragonadal germ cell tumors are relatively rare tumors, which usually occur in the mediastinum or retroperitoneum. In this report, we present a case of primary seminoma arising in the pelvic cavity. A 58-year-old man with urinary retention and abdominal distension was admitted to our hospital. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a large mass in the pelvic cavity. Histological examination of the specimens obtained by open biopsy revealed seminomatous malignant cells. Immunohistochemical studies detected vimentin, placental alkaline phosphatase and c-kit. Taking these results together with the patient's other clinical manifestations, this case was diagnosed as extragonadal seminoma without c-kit-activating mutations, and chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy was successful. Primary seminoma in the pelvic cavity is extremely rare, but should be considered a cause of pelvic mass formation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Alkaline Phosphatase / isolation & purification
  • Colostomy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • GPI-Linked Proteins / isolation & purification
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Intestinal Obstruction / surgery
  • Isoenzymes / isolation & purification
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mutation
  • Pelvic Neoplasms / chemistry
  • Pelvic Neoplasms / complications
  • Pelvic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Pelvic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit / isolation & purification*
  • Seminoma / chemistry
  • Seminoma / complications
  • Seminoma / diagnosis*
  • Seminoma / pathology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Urinary Retention / etiology
  • Vimentin / isolation & purification

Substances

  • GPI-Linked Proteins
  • Isoenzymes
  • Vimentin
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit
  • Alkaline Phosphatase
  • alkaline phosphatase, placental