What is it?
Germ Cell Tumours (GCT) develop from cells that produce eggs or sperm so usually affect the ovaries or testes. These are called gonadal germ cell tumours.
It is possible for germ cell tumours to develop in other parts of the body. As a baby develops during pregnancy, the cells producing eggs or sperm move to the ovaries or testes. However, they can sometimes settle in other parts of the body (such as the bottom of the spine, the brain, chest and abdomen) where they can develop into tumours known as extragonadal germ cell tumours.
Germ Cell Tumours are treated with surgery, chemo or a combination of both.
Who does it affect?
These types of tumours are rare and account for around 3% of childhood cancer cases.
Around 45 children in the UK are diagnosed with Germ Cell Tumours each year and they can affect children of any age.
Find out more
You can read more about the types of Germ Cell Tumour and it’s treatment.