Primary pulmonary yolk sac tumor: A case report

Abstract

A primary yolk sac tumor of the lung is an extremely rare type of extragonadal germ cell tumor that originates in the lung parenchyma. We report a case of a large pulmonary yolk sac tumor in the right lower lobe with brain metastasis, treated with chemotherapy. Common symptoms of pulmonary yolk sac tumors include cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Risk factors for developing primary yolk sac tumors of the lung are not well defined. Elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels are a characteristic finding in these tumors and can aid in both diagnosis and monitoring treatment response. Primary yolk sac tumor is an aggressive malignancy. Comprehensive treatment typically involves a combination of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, complete surgical resection, and postoperative chemotherapy, along with careful monitoring of AFP levels and management of complications to optimize outcomes.