Case Report: Germ cell tumor presenting as cecal mass

Abstract

Extra gonadal germ cell tumors most frequently occur in the anterior mediastinum, retro-peritoneum, and pineal and suprasellar regions. The infrequency of its occurrence inside gastrointestinal tract makes it an arduous diagnostic challenge. A 23 year old male with no significant past medical history presented to the emergency department with increasing abdominal pain, diarrhea, episodic vomiting for 3 weeks. Review of systems was positive for melena and shortness of breath on exertion. Fullness and irregularity along with tenderness was noted around the right iliac region. CT scan (computed tomography) of the abdomen revealed a cecal mass with multiple metastases to liver, lungs and abdominal lymph nodes.  Colonic endoscope was performed but it could not be advanced beyond the cecal mass. Biopsies from the mass were reported as poorly differentiated metastatic carcinoma. During the course of hospitalization, he developed symptomatic small bowel obstruction with perforation. Colonic resection was performed and histology showed Germ-Cell Tumor. Beta HCG level was 118789 IU/L suggestive of a non-seminomatous germ cell tumor. Ultrasound of the scrotum, MRI brain (magnetic resonance imaging) and CT scan of the chest did not reveal a primary tumor. Chemotherapy was started with Bleomycin, Etoposide and Cisplatin after which beta human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) levels dropped dramatically. His hospital course got complicated with neutropenic sepsis with shock which progressed to multi-organ dysfunction and unfortunately, he succumbed to the disease burden. This case demonstrates one of the rare presentations of extragonadal germ cell tumors and the diagnostic challenges associated with it. Very few cases have been reported in the literature, and none of them presented as a cecal mass. Early recognition of this presentation will help in reducing the tumor burden and the mortality associated with it, as germ cell tumors are highly susceptible to chemotherapy.