Rare Ophthalmology News

Advertisement

Disease Profile

Polyembryoma

Prevalence
Prevalence estimates on Rare Medical Network websites are calculated based on data available from numerous sources, including US and European government statistics, the NIH, Orphanet, and published epidemiologic studies. Rare disease population data is recognized to be highly variable, and based on a wide variety of source data and methodologies, so the prevalence data on this site should be assumed to be estimated and cannot be considered to be absolutely correct.

0

US Estimated

Europe Estimated

Age of onset

Adolescent

ICD-10

-

Inheritance

Autosomal dominant A pathogenic variant in only one gene copy in each cell is sufficient to cause an autosomal dominant disease.

no.svg

Autosomal recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of each gene of the chromosome are needed to cause an autosomal recessive disease and observe the mutant phenotype.

no.svg

X-linked
dominant X-linked dominant inheritance, sometimes referred to as X-linked dominance, is a mode of genetic inheritance by which a dominant gene is carried on the X chromosome.

no.svg

X-linked
recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of a gene on the X chromosome cause an X-linked recessive disorder.

no.svg

Mitochondrial or multigenic Mitochondrial genetic disorders can be caused by changes (mutations) in either the mitochondrial DNA or nuclear DNA that lead to dysfunction of the mitochondria and inadequate production of energy.

no.svg

Multigenic or multifactor Inheritance involving many factors, of which at least one is genetic but none is of overwhelming importance, as in the causation of a disease by multiple genetic and environmental factors.

no.svg

Not applicable

no.svg

Other names (AKA)

Gonadal polyembryoma

Categories

Rare Cancers

Summary

Polyembryoma is a type of tumor that develops from the cells of the gonads (testes in men or ovaries in women). Such tumors are called germ cell tumors. Polyembryomas have a distinctive look because they are composed of many parts that are shaped like embryos, one of the earliest stages of a developing human during pregnancy.[1] Symptoms of a polyembryoma may include an unusual bump or mass in the abdomen which can cause pain in some individuals; puberty at an unusually young age (known as precocious puberty); or irregularities in a female's menstruation. Treatment begins with surgery and may be followed by chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.[2][3] The cause of polyembryoma is not yet known.[3]

Treatment

Because polyembryomas are quite rare, there are no established guidelines for treating this condition. However, the first step for treating a polyembryoma is often surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation therapy, have also been used after surgery to destroy any cancer cells that may remain.[2][3]

Learn more

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

In-Depth Information

  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Polyembryoma. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

References

  1. Ulbright TM. Germ cell tumors of the gonads: a selective review emphasizing problems in differential diagnosis, newly appreciated, and controversial issues. Modern Pathology. 2005; 18 Suppl 2:S61-S79. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15761467. Accessed 3/19/2012.
  2. Beresford L, Fernandez CV, Cummings E, Sanderson S, Ming-Yu W, Giacomantonio M. Mediastinal polyembryoma associated with Klinefelter syndrome. Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. 2003; 25:321-323. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12679648. Accessed 3/19/2012.
  3. Chapman DC, Grover R, Schwartz PE. Conservative management of an ovarian polyembryoma. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1994; 83:879-882. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8159384. Accessed 3/19/2012.

Rare Ophthalmology News