Which is the most common testicular tumor in patients younger than 2 years?

Which is the most common testicular tumor in patients younger than 2 years?

• A. Choriocarcinoma
• B. Yolk Sac Tumor
• C. Teratoma
• D. Embryonal Cell Carcinoma

Answer: (B)

In patients younger than 2 years, a yolk sac tumor is the most common testicular tumor. This malignant germ cell tumor is typical of infancy and early childhood and often presents as a painless testicular mass. A key clue is the serum alpha-fetoprotein level, which is usually elevated in yolk sac tumors and helps distinguish it from other tumors. Other tumors in this age group are less common: choriocarcinoma is rare and tends to elevate hCG rather than AFP; embryonal carcinoma is uncommon in young children; teratoma can occur but is not as frequent as yolk sac tumor in this very early age range. Understanding these marker patterns and age-related frequencies helps explain why yolk sac tumor is the best answer here.

In patients younger than 2 years, a yolk sac tumor is the most common testicular tumor. This malignant germ cell tumor is typical of infancy and early childhood and often presents as a painless testicular mass. A key clue is the serum alpha-fetoprotein level, which is usually elevated in yolk sac tumors and helps distinguish it from other tumors. Other tumors in this age group are less common: choriocarcinoma is rare and tends to elevate hCG rather than AFP; embryonal carcinoma is uncommon in young children; teratoma can occur but is not as frequent as yolk sac tumor in this very early age range. Understanding these marker patterns and age-related frequencies helps explain why yolk sac tumor is the best answer here.