Description
A lobulated tumour, approximately half of it cystic and containing gelatinous material. Towards
one side there is a circumscribed nodule some 8 x 5 cm.; the surface shows a number of blood
vessels, much solid tissue and a number of
cystic spaces. The white material in the cystic area is not explained.
History
This young man was referred for investigation at the age of 19 because a miniature X-ray
had shown an abnormal mediastinal shadow. Various investigations were done, including
angiography, which established the presence of an anterior mediastinal mass, which was
subsequently removed. An enlarged lymph node was found in the left tracheobronchial angle, and
tumour tissue was present at the apex of the left upper lobe of the lungs. Microscopy established
that this was a well-differentiated terratoma, with the usual benign, well-organised elements but
with, in addition, malignant tissue classified as "endodermal sinus tumour (yolk-sac carcinoma)".
He died from his disease within 2 months.