Germ cell tumors: Classifications, definitions, and terminology

Abstract

The terminology of testicular, ovarian, and extragonadal germ cell tumors has been marred historically by histogenetic and diagnostic controversies and a lack of uniform approach to classification of these neoplasms. Even though some inconsistencies and controversies persist, the terminology has in general become less contentious. Furthermore, the usage of diagnostic categories in daily practice of pathology has become less uneven, enabling better clinical-pathologic correlations and a more standardized approach to the treatment of these neoplasms. The advances in experimental pathology of teratomas and human embryonic stem cells have improved our understanding of the histogenesis and cellular/molecular biology of germ cell tumors in general. However, the terminology used in experimental laboratory studies and in clinics still shows some discordances which remain to be reconciled and unified into a universally acceptable nomenclature.