Growing teratoma syndrome in primary mediastinal germ cell tumor: our experience.

BACKGROUND: Growing teratoma syndrome is a rare phenomenon seen in nonseminomatous germ cell tumors after chemotherapy, where the tumor grows paradoxically despite normalization of tumor markers. It has been found in various locations, most commonly, the retroperitoneum in association with metastatic disease. The occurrence of growing teratoma syndrome in a mediastinal primary is very rare and there are only a few reports in the literature.

METHODS: In a retrospective review, out of 12 patients with mediastinal involvement by a germ cell tumor, 5 had a primary from the mediastinum. We present a series of 3 cases of primary germ cell tumor of the mediastinum, which after chemotherapy, fulfilled the criteria for growing teratoma syndrome and were managed with surgical excision.

CONCLUSION: Development of growing teratoma syndrome in a primary mediastinal germ cell tumor is extremely rare. Its awareness and early detection can lead to successful surgical excision and long-term cure.