Etymed
embryonal carcinoma
Definition
A malignant tumor that arises from embryonic cells and exhibits characteristics of embryonal development
Clinical context
A 28-year-old man presents with a painless scrotal mass that has been growing over several months. Physical examination reveals a firm, hard mass. Serum tumor markers show elevated alpha-fetoprotein and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin. Surgical resection is performed with subsequent histopathological examination showing malignant cells with prominent nucleoli and nuclear grooves, consistent with embryonal carcinoma. This tumor is known to arise from primordial germ cells and often occurs in the testes of young adults.
Mnemonic
EMBRYO - Embryonal cells, Malignant tumor, Birth defect, Yolk sac origin, Ovarian/testicular location