Yolk Sac Tumor : Gross Pathology

Comments:
Pure yolk sac tumors are usually soft, solid tumors with a myxoid or gelatinous quality. The cut surface is yellow-tan to greyish-white. Larger tumors may have foci of hemorrhage and necrosis or small cystic areas. In such cases, the possibility of a mixed germ cell tumor should be considered, especially in an adolescent or a young adult patient.

This is an example of pure yolk sac tumor in a prepubertal patient. Note the small size of the testis.

Image courtesy of: Dr. Rhonda Yantiss, Professor of Pathology & Lab. Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY; used with permission.