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Germ cell cancer – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Wednesday, April 04, 2018 by

Germ cells are the cells in the body that develop into sperm and egg cells. They are primarily found in the ovary or testicle, however some can be left behind in other parts of the body from pregnancy. Germ cell cancer or tumor most often occur in the ovary or testicle because germ cells are mostly located there. There are two main types of germ cancer tumor – testicular germ cell tumor and ovarian germ cell tumor. These germ cell tumors are either malignant or benign. Although rare, germ cell cancers can also develop in other parts of the body, like in the brain or at the back of the abdomen.

Known side effects of germ cell cancer

The symptoms of germ cell cancer may include a solid testicular mass that can be painful or not, a solid ovarian mass accompanied with abdominal pain, a mass visible in the lower back or near the anus, respiratory distress, such as shortness of breath and wheezing, linked to a mass inside the chest, and development of pubic hair, breast enlargement, or vaginal bleeding at a very early age. Other symptoms of germ cell tumors include increased levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) or beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-HCG), or constipation, incontinence, and leg weakness.

Body systems harmed by germ cell cancer

The main body system harmed by germ cell cancer is the reproductive system as the tumor typically grows in the ovary or in the testicle.

List of foods or nutrients that prevent germ cell cancer

There is no information on what certain foods or nutrients can prevent germ cell cancer. However, there are foods that are good for the ovaries. These include vitamin A-rich foods like cod liver oil, eggs, milk, sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, spinach, and pumpkin, vitamin C-rich foods, and selenium-rich foods like whole wheat bread, Brazil nuts, meats, eggs, and shellfish. Foods that are good for the male reproductive organs include whole grains, red meat, vitamin C-rich foods, and selenium-rich foods.

Treatments, management plans for germ cell cancer

Treatment plans for germ cell tumors or germ cell cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, bone marrow transplantation, supportive care, hormonal replacement, antibiotics, and continuous follow-up care.

Where to learn more

Summary

Germ cell cancer typically develops in the ovary or the testicles.

Germ cell cancer symptoms may include pain in the affected area, constipation, respiratory difficulties, incontinence, and leg weakness.

Germ cell cancer harms the reproductive system.

Germ cell cancer treatment plans may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, bone marrow transplantation, supportive care, hormonal replacement, antibiotics, and continuous follow-up care.

Sources include:

CancerResearchUK.org

HopkinsMedicine.org

URMC.Rochester.edu

HealthyEating.SFGate.com

LiveStrong.com

Cancer.net



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