Extragonadal germ cell tumors are rare in children, being diagnosed starting with the neonatal period and in adolescents, the anterior mediastinum being the most common location involved in the neoplastic process. The term "teratocarcinoma", according to WHO terminology, is used in cases of the combination of teratoma with embryonic carcinoma.The authors present the analysis of the clinical evolution, the results of laboratory and imaging investigations, compared with the data of the histopathological examination of an adolescent with a massive tumor formation of the anterior mediastinum with extension in the left hemithorax.The authors conclude that teratocarcinoma of the anterior mediastinum is characterized by an extremely aggressive behavior, which in a short period of time can reach giant dimensions and advanced stages of the disease, imposing the need for a greater degree of suspicion in the diagnosis of these tumors. Despite the complete ablation of the tumor, the risk of developing metastases in the intrathoracic organs, found postoperatively, which are not always detected preoperatively, persists. Extensive histological examination of the excised specimen is very valuable in assessing the share of immature tissues and malignant germ components, in the case presented a large amount of embryonic carcinoma was identified, which, along with immature teratomatous components, probably determined the aggressive evolution of the neoplasm.

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Eremia V.

Nicolae Testemitanu” State University of Medicine and Pharmacy

Republic of Moldova