Primary Mediastinal Germ Cell Tumor With Bone Marrow Infiltration: A Case Report and Literature Review

Rioja P.; Valencia G.; Morante Z.; Cruz R.; Vidaurre T.; Neciosup S. · Cancer Reports (2025) · DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.70282

Resumen

Introduction: Bone marrow infiltration is a rare presentation in patients with extragonadal germinal cell tumors (EGGCTs). We report a case of primary mediastinal germ cell tumor presenting with bone marrow metastases. Case Presentation: A 28-year-old male patient was admitted to Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas with superior vena cava syndrome and a mediastinal mass accompanied by positive blood tumor markers for germinal cell tumor (GCT). In addition, he exhibited anemia and thrombocytopenia; therefore, bone marrow aspiration and biopsy were done and showed metastatic GCT cells. The patient started standard chemotherapy (bleomycin-etoposide-cisplatin) for 2 cycles; there was a reduction of serum tumor markers; however, the patient subsequently developed febrile neutropenia and severe pneumonia, resulting in death. Conclusion: This case demonstrates an uncommon presentation of EGGCT with bone marrow metastases. Early detection of this presentation will help to reduce the tumor burden and the mortality associated with it.