[Testicular germ cell tumor--pathogenetic aspects]

The article reviews recent findings in the carcinogenesis of male germ cell tumours. Histologic, cytogenetic and cell molecular studies indicate that the embryonal germ cell-the gonocyte-is the precursor cell. A step-wise modification of the gonocyte with gradual loss of genetic material, and participation of different oncogenes like myc and ras, are probably of great significance, but the modes and extent are unknown. The histogenesis of the different subtypes of germ cell tumours is still obscure.