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01.10.2014 | Original paper

Germ cell tumors in children and adolescents in Finland: trends over 1969–2008

verfasst von: Satu-Liisa Pauniaho, Jonna Salonen, Mika Helminen, Oskari Heikinheimo, Kim Vettenranta, Markku Heikinheimo

Erschienen in: Cancer Causes & Control | Ausgabe 10/2014

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Abstract

Purpose

Malignant germ cell tumors (GCTs) are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms putatively originating from the primordial germ cell. In adults, an increasing incidence of GCTs, particularly testicular tumors, has been reported in recent decades. However, population-based evidence in children and adolescents remains limited. We investigated the incidence of malignant GCTs diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, using population-based nationwide data from Finland.

Methods

We obtained information from the Finnish Cancer Registry on all malignant GCTs registered in 1969–2008 in children or adolescents aged 0–19 years. Data on tumor location, histology, stage, and survival were collected. Age-standardized incidence and survival rates were calculated.

Results

A total of 334 cases of malignant GCT were identified. Their proportion among all malignant tumors among 0- to 19-year-olds increased from 3 to 9.7 % in boys with time, but remained stable in girls (3 %). The overall incidence rate was 0.6 per 100,000 (0.8 in boys and 0.4 in girls), and differed significantly between the age groups. A significant increase in the incidence of testicular GCTs was seen in boys in the age group of 15–19 years.

Conclusions

Although malignant GCTs are rare, their relative frequency in children and adolescents has increased during recent decades, the change being mainly due to an increasing frequency of the testicular tumors among teenagers. The causes of the increase remain unknown, but environmental exposures are likely to be involved.

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Titel: Germ cell tumors in children and adolescents in Finland: trends over 1969–2008
verfasst von: Satu-Liisa Pauniaho
Jonna Salonen
Mika Helminen
Oskari Heikinheimo
Kim Vettenranta
Markku Heikinheimo
Publikationsdatum: 01.10.2014
Verlag: Springer International Publishing
Erschienen in: Cancer Causes & Control / Ausgabe 10/2014
Print ISSN: 0957-5243
Elektronische ISSN: 1573-7225
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10552-014-0439-6

Springer Medizin

Germ cell tumors in children and adolescents in Finland: trends over 1969–2008