Primary CNS yolk sac tumor in the adult

Dear Editor, Yolk sac tumor (YST) is a rare malignancy affecting children and adolescents [1]. It is often associated with other germ cell tumors, and has a poor prognosis. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy (CT), and radiation therapy (RT) [2]. Extragonadal primary YST is commonly found in the mediastinum, retroperitoneum, and central nervous system (CNS) [3]. The pineal region is the most common site for CNS involvement. Symptoms include hypopituitarism, diabetes mellitus, field deficits, visual acuity problems, seizures, hydrocephalus, and paralysis of the sixth cranial nerve [4]. Pathologically, YST cells are organized in loose reticular patterns, papillary structures, and perivascular glomeruloid aggregates. YST diagnosis is based on the presence of Schiller-Duval bodies [2] and the amount of AFP in the serum, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and histological preparation [3