[Primary extragonadal germ cell tumors]

Extragonadal germ cell tumors (ECT) account for only 2-5% of all germ cell neoplasms in adults. These tumors in part biologically distinct from their testicular counterparts and have distinct clinical features. The author presents a review of articles in the literature about hematologic neoplasia associated with mediastinal germ cell tumors. These hematologic neoplasms are not related to therapy. The optimal management ECT continues to be defined.