Primary germinal tumors of the mediastinum

Germ cell tumors of the mediastinum are rare. They are histologically similar to their primitive gonadal counterparts. Depending on their histogenesis and therapeutic possibilities, they are classified as teratomas, often mature and benign, and non-teratomatous tumors, always malignant, including seminomas and non-seminomatous tumors (NSGTs).Although their diagnostic strategy is well codified, they represent a therapeutic challenge specific to each histological type, combining surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.