Testicular Germ Cell Tumor Presenting to the Emergency Department

The authors report on a case of a patient who presented to the emergency department (ED) and was ultimately diagnosed with stage IV testicular non-seminomatous germ cell tumor. The patient was cachectic with a tumor on the neck, abdomen, and scrotum. Germ cell tumors (GCTs) exhibit characteristic symptoms at different points in development. Appropriate treatment can cure most GCTs. While cancer may not be thought of as an ED diagnosis, it can often be the place where patients first present, even when advanced. Recognizing it is important for prompt treatment.