[Embryonal carcinoma and vitelline tumor of the mediastinum. Diagnostic and prognostic value of alpha-fetoprotein levels. A propos of 5 cases].

Five cases are reported of embryonal carcinoma with a vitelline structure more or less predominating. The presentation was of an anterior mediastinal tumour occurring in young men and in three cases there was mediastinal obstruction. The clinical examination, in particular testicular examination, was negative. In each case the level of the alpha-fetoprotein was greater than 1,000 micrograms/l, even post-operatively. The alpha-fetoprotein and HCG-beta should be measured systematically in all cases of anterior mediastinal tumour occurring in young subjects, and would enable a more frequent identification of tumours with difficult histology. The serum levels reflected the changes noted clinically and radiologically. Polychemotherapy bases around cis platinum led to a significant but transitory regression of the tumours. Radiotherapy was ineffective. Surgery was never totally curative.