[Intracranial germ cell tumors: the point of view of the endocrinologist].

Extragonadal germ cell tumors are rare neoplasms most commonly diagnosed in the first and second decades of life. Intracranially they tend to arise in the midline in the pineal and hypothalamic/intrasellar regions. The clinical presentation in the central nervous system depends on the patient's age, tumor location, and tumor size. Because of the proximity of these tumors to the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, their presence often results in the development of various hormonal abnormalities. Patients most often present with diabetes insipidus, growth hormone insufficiency and precocious puberty. Early diagnosis of germ cell tumors is of the utmost importance as they are highly radiosensitive, although the correct diagnosis may be sometimes difficult to achieve. In this paper, we review different aspects of pathology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of intracranial germ cell tumors. Particular attention is paid to the endocrine aspects of these tumors.