As with other childhood solid tumors, stage directly impacts the outcome of patients with malignant germ cell tumors (GCT).[1-3] The most commonly used staging system in the United States is described below.[4] Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) has not been required in pediatric germ cell trials to stage males younger than 15 years. Data on adolescent males with testicular GCT are limited. RPLND is used for both staging and treatment in adult testicular GCT trials.[5] Refer to the PDQ summary on Testicular Cancer Treatment for more information about the staging of adult testicular GCT.

• Stage I: localized disease, completely resected without microscopic disease in the resected margins or in regional lymph nodes.



• Stage II: microscopic residual disease, capsular invasion, or microscopic lymph node involvement.



• Stage III: gross residual disease, gross lymph node involvement (>2 cm), or cytologic evidence of tumor cells in ascites or pleural fluid.



• Stage IV: disseminated disease involving lungs, liver, brain, bone, distant nodes, or other sites.

Another staging system used most frequently by gynecologic oncologists is the International Federation of Gynecologic Oncologists (FIGO) staging system, which is based on an adequate staging operation at the time of diagnosis.[6] (Refer to the PDQ summary on Ovarian Germ Cell Tumor Treatment for more information.) This system has also been used by some pediatric centers,[2] and is as follows:

Stage I: tumor limited to the ovaries

• IA: one ovary, no ascites, intact capsule.
• IB: both ovaries, no ascites, intact capsule.
• IC: ruptured capsule, capsular involvement, positive peritoneal washings, or malignant ascites.

Stage II: ovarian tumor with pelvic extension

• IIA: pelvic extension to uterus or tubes.
• IIB: pelvic extension to other pelvic organs (bladder, rectum, or vagina).
• IIC: pelvic extension, plus findings indicated for stage IC.

Stage III: tumor outside the pelvis, or positive nodes

• IIIA: microscopic seeding outside the true pelvis.
• IIIB: gross deposit ≤2 cm.
• IIIC: gross deposits larger than 2 cm or positive nodes.

Stage IV: distant organ involvement, including liver parenchyma or pleural space

References

1. Ablin AR, Krailo MD, Ramsay NK, et al.: Results of treatment of malignant germ cell tumors in 93 children: a report from the Childrens Cancer Study Group. J Clin Oncol 9 (10): 1782-92, 1991.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
2. Mann JR, Pearson D, Barrett A, et al.: Results of the United Kingdom Children's Cancer Study Group's malignant germ cell tumor studies. Cancer 63 (9): 1657-67, 1989.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
3. Marina N, Fontanesi J, Kun L, et al.: Treatment of childhood germ cell tumors. Review of the St. Jude experience from 1979 to 1988. Cancer 70 (10): 2568-75, 1992.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
4. Brodeur GM, Howarth CB, Pratt CB, et al.: Malignant germ cell tumors in 57 children and adolescents. Cancer 48 (8): 1890-8, 1981.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
5. de Wit R, Fizazi K: Controversies in the management of clinical stage I testis cancer. J Clin Oncol 24 (35): 5482-92, 2006.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
6. Cannistra SA: Cancer of the ovary. N Engl J Med 329 (21): 1550-9, 1993.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   

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