Primary medulla oblongata germinomas: two case reports and review of the literature

Abstract

Abstract An intracranial germinoma is a tumor that is sensitive to radiotherapy. As medulla oblongata germinomas are extremely rare, determining an accurate preoperative diagnosis is challenging. Two cases of medulla oblongata lesions were surgically treated, and a postoperative diagnosis of germinoma was determined in both of the cases. The tumor in one patient completely resolved after a treatment course consisting of surgical intervention, radiotherapy and chemotherapy; the other patient, who did not receive any type of adjuvant treatment after surgery, suffered from tumor relapse and died from pneumonia 8 months following surgery. A preoperative diagnosis of medulla oblongata germinoma is difficult because of the lack of specific clinical signs and symptoms. If the correct diagnosis is reached, patients can have a favorable prognosis with proper evaluation and treatment. An invasive operation can potentially lesion and impair the function of the medulla oblongata, which is fatal to the patient.