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Primary Mediastinal Germ Cell Tumor in a Woman Presenting With Superior Vena Cava Syndrome: A Case Report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Mediastinal germ cell tumors (MGCTs) are rare neoplasms that typically occur in young men, with nonseminomatous subtypes predominating in this population. The occurrence of such tumors in women is exceedingly uncommon, accounting for a very small fraction of all extragonadal germ cell tumors (GCTs). We present a rare case of a 44-year-old woman diagnosed with a primary mediastinal germ cell tumor (PMGCT) complicated by superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome. The patient initially presented with severe respiratory distress, chest pain, and signs of venous congestion. Imaging revealed a large anterior mediastinal mass compressing the SVC. She was started on systemic chemotherapy with cisplatin and bleomycin, with partial symptomatic relief. Her hospital course was further complicated by anemia, volume overload, and pulmonary infiltrates. This case underscores the importance of considering MGCTs in the differential diagnosis of anterior mediastinal masses in women and highlights the potential for life-threatening complications such as SVC syndrome. Prompt recognition and multidisciplinary management are essential to improving outcomes in these rare but aggressive tumors.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.91399

Authors: Alex Abouafech, Nicholas Lorenz, John Stauffer, Oscar Milian Cardoso

Institutions: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville

Language: English

Topic: Testicular diseases and treatments

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4413878226