Extragonadal germ cell tumors (ECTs) are rare tumors that arise from germ cells outside of the reproductive organs. Germ cells are the cells responsible for the development of eggs in females and sperm in males. ECTs can occur in various locations throughout the body, including the mediastinum (the area between the lungs), retroperitoneum (the back of the abdominal cavity), and the central nervous system.
The most common type of ECT is mediastinal germ cell tumor, which usually occurs in young males.
