[A case of primary mediastinal germ cell tumor, successfully treated with chemotherapy and curative resection]

A 20-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of an abnormal shadow on chest X-ray Laboratory data revealed a high serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and LDH level. Percutaneous needle biopsy of the tumor suggested primary mediastinal germ cell tumor. Curative resection was performed after three courses of combination chemotherapy (cis-platinum, VP-16, bleomycin and adriamycin). A post-operative histological examination of the mass revealed total necrosis. Post-operative course was uneventful, and he has been free of recurrence for the last six months.