Testicular germ cell tumor composed of placental site trophoblastic tumor and teratoma
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Teratoma Generation in the Testis Capsule
Published on: November 7, 2011
Fredrik Petersson1, Petr Grossmann, Tomas Vanecek
1Department of Pathology, National University Health System, Singapore.
Abstract:
We present a case of a 24-year-old man with a right testicular mass, 2.5 cm in largest diameter. Before orchiectomy, the serum level of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was elevated, whereas that of alpha-fetoprotein was normal. Histologic examination showed a malignant germ cell tumor with a unique and hitherto unpublished combination of placental site trophoblastic tumor and teratoma. Testicular tubules adjacent to the tumor contained intratubular germ cell neoplasia. All cells of placental site trophoblastic tumor were immunohistochemically cytokeratin 7, 18, and pancytokeratin positive and cytokeratin 20, S-100 protein, alpha-fetoprotein, placental alkaline phosphatase, p63, OCT3/4, Nanog, and calretinin negative. Ten percent of the placental site trophoblastic tumor stained with hCG, 30% with epithelial membrane antigen and human placental lactogen, and 80% with inhibin antibodies. FISH study showed a gain on the short arm of chromosome 12 in the placental site trophoblastic tumor, proving that this component is of germ cell origin. The patient is alive and well 3 years after the orchiectomy without additional treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Teratogenicity
Metastasis
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...
Testes: Histology
The spermatogenic cells, responsible for producing sperm, are...
Gonadal and Placental Hormones
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...
