What's growing on? The growing teratoma syndrome.
BACKGROUND
The growing teratoma syndrome (GTS) consists of a mature teratoma paradoxically enlarging during or after chemotherapy for malignant nongerminomatous germ cell tumors.


RESULTS
We report two cases of GTS occurring in association with NSGCT of the pineal gland. Although an unusual event, clinicians and radiologists should be aware of its natural history.


CONCLUSIONS
When normalized tumor markers after chemotherapy are associated with imaging features of a growing mass, the hypothesis of GTS must be taken in consideration. When early diagnosed, GTS can be managed surgically with good results.
Denaro
Luca
L
Academic Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani N 5, 35128, Padua, Italy.
Pluchinotta
Francesca
F
Faggin
Roberto
R
Manara
Renzo
R
Calderone
Milena
M
Viscardi
Elisabetta
E
Gardiman
Marina
M
Rossetto
Marta
M
Perilongo
Giorgio
G
d'Avella
Domenico
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000379:methods; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D009373:Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D010871:Pinealoma / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D013577:Syndrome; D013724:Teratoma / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents