Primary embryonal carcinoma and choriocarcinoma of the mediastinum. A case report.

Primary germinal tumors of the mediastinum are very rare. We studied a 67-year-old man with a primary embryonal carcinoma and choriocarcinoma of the mediastinum. To our knowledge, this is the oldest patient described as having this lesion. The diagnosis of primary germinal tumor of the mediastinum should not be made unless the possibility of a primary testicular lesion has been eliminated by thorough clinical evaluation. The prognosis is very poor for patients with teratocarcinoma, embryonal carcinoma, or choriocarcinoma, despite aggressive therapy.