Endodermal sinus (yolk sac) tumors of the anterior mediastinum

Seven cases of endodermal sinus tumor (yolk sac tumor) primary in the anterior mediastinum are added to the literature bringing to 21 the number of reported cases. This germ cell tumor should be included in the differential diagnosis of anterior mediastinal tumors. It has occurred in males 13--49 years old who are often systemically ill. Since this tumor almost always produces elevated levels of serum alpha-fetoprotein, a strong presumptive diagnosis is possible prior to biopsy. The prognosis is poor. The two disease-free survivors of the 21 reported cases were both treated with a combination of excision and chemotherapy.