A New Concept of Classification of Gonadal Tumours Arising from Germ Cells (Gonocytoma) and their Histogenesis

Abstract

Based on the author''s cyto-histological studies of specimens of the embryonic gonads and of various forms of germ cell tumors (gonocytoma) and on the data from literature, a new concept of classification of gonocytomas is presented. Gonocytoma I[long dash]a homogenous form of tumor formed solely of germ cells, hormonally inactive; Gonocytoma II[long dash]a mixed form consisting of 2 type of cells occurring in the embryonic gonad germ cells and Sertoli-granulosa type cells; Gonocytoma III[long dash]characterized by the complete confusion of all cellular elements: germ cells as well as Sertoli-granulosa type and interstitial cells (this rare form of gonocytoma may be classified according to Scully''s term as gonadoblastoma); Gonocytoma IV - a special form of pure germ cells with clinical symptoms of virilism which is caused by overgrowth of androgenic interstitial cells (hilar Leydig cells) adjacent to the germ cell tumor or occurring in the contralateral uninvolved gonad.