What Patients Say About Cancer Treatment at New Hope
What is a Germ Cell Tumor?
Winning the battle against a life-threatening disease begins with being armed with essential information.
A germ cell tumor is a malignant (cancerous) or benign (noncancerous) growth of tissue mostly comprising germ cells. Germ cells develop in the embryo (unborn child) and make up the reproductive system in males and females. The majority of tumors in the testes and ovaries are of germ cell origin. Germ cell tumors also develop along the midline path and can be found in the sacrococcygeal (lower back) area, pelvis, stomach, chest, and head.
The survival rates for germ cell tumors are promising when diagnosed and treated early.
Types of Germ Cell Tumors
New Hope Unlimited offers treatments to the following types of germ cell tumors in adults:
Teratomas
These tumors can either be benign or malignant. Teratomas are the most common type of germ cell tumor to occur in extragonadal areas (not in the ovary or testes).
Germinomas
Germinomas are cancerous germ cell tumors. Germinomas are also called seminoma when located in the testes, and dysgerminoma when found in the ovaries.
Choriocarcinoma
This rare type of germ cell tumor is often malignant. It arises from the cells in the chorion layer of the placenta during pregnancy and may spread (metastasize) to both the mother and infant.
Germ Cell Tumor Symptoms
Signs of germ cell tumors vary depending on the tumor size and location. They may include one or more of the following:
- A mass that can be felt or seen
- Incontinence
- Constipation
- Leg weakness
- Abdominal pain
- Abnormal shape or irregularity in testicular size
- Shortness of breath if tumors in the chest are pressing on the lungs
- Elevated levels of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-HCG)
- Elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
The symptoms leading to germ cell tumors may resemble other medical conditions. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.
Germ Cell Tumor Causes
The cause of germ cell tumors is not always understood. Medical researchers do know that some medical conditions can increase the risk of developing germ cell tumors. These include:
- Birth defects that involve:
- Genitals
- Urinary tract
- Spine
- Central nervous system
- Undescended testicles
- Genetic conditions that cause excess or missing sex chromosomes
If you have risk factors, discuss prevention with your doctor.
Germ Cell Tumor Diagnosis
Early detection is key to improving your germ cell tumor prognosis and life expectancy. Diagnostic tests for germ cell tumors may include:
- Medical history and physical exam
- Biopsy (sample tissue removal)
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
- Ultrasound (also called sonography)
- X-ray
- Bone scans
Why Choose Us for Alternative Germ Cell Tumor Treatments?
We offer treatment opportunities for rare and aggressive tumors. New and innovative therapies generally are available at New Hope Unlimited several years before they become standard in the community. Our methods are centered on state-of-the-art patient care while incorporating the most recent developments in global cancer medicine. Click here on the link to learn more about our cancer treatment strategy.
Our Approach
Advanced Treatments for Germ Cell Tumor
Top-Rated Physicians
Personal Care
Patient SatisfactionOur Patient-Centric Medical Facilities
At New Hope Unlimited, we pride ourselves in providing superior comfort, cleanliness, and cancer care at our 8,000 square foot medical treatment center in San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico. We worked with renowned architects and contractors to create the ideal space for recovery, which includes state-of-the-art lounge areas and spacious private in-rooms that assure the comfort of our patients and their loved ones. To make our patients feel right at home, we equip each private ward with high-definition U.S. television, quality bedding, and high-speed internet connection. And with proper nutrition playing a vital role in cancer recovery, New Hope Unlimited also fulfills the dietary needs of each patient using fresh, organic produce to prepare breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and dinners. Comfort and cleanliness are also strictly implemented in our medical treatment rooms, which are equipped with the latest medical supplies and technology to provide the highest standard of care and treatment. Our medical center also has an in-house Hyperbaric Chamber, a well-established therapy for decompression sickness, exclusively available for our patients’ use. Further, New Hope Unlimited has maintained its exceptional partnership with Hospital Migoo, a medical group composed of certified physicians and specialists committed to our patients’ care and well-being.Stories of New Hope
Life-changing tales of our cancer patients and survivors.
FAQs
1. What kind of treatments will I receive?
We will customize your treatment program based on several factors, including but not limited to your stage of disease, symptoms, and general health. Treatment examples may include oxidative therapy and levorotatory vitamin C supplementation, among others. Click the link to learn more about our alternative cancer treatments for germ cell tumors.2. Can insurance cover these treatments?
While alternative and holistic cancer treatments have been available for many years, they still represent a non-traditional scope of medicine. It is unfortunate to say that, because we are still an emerging area of medicine, insurance coverage for our procedures is generally not accepted by most insurance carriers.