Caregiver
Lorna's Story
Written by Rob's mum, charity founder, Lorna. "You’re my first thought when I wake and the last when I sleep, and I can’t see that ever changing."
Read their storyGerm Cell Cancer
If you've recently heard the term “germ cell cancer”, you're not alone in wondering what it means. This page explains what germ cell cancer is, where it can develop and where to find trusted information and support.
What is Germ Cell Cancer?
Germ cell tumours can occur in the testicles, ovaries, or other parts of the body. They develop from the cells that make eggs or sperm. While rare, they primarily affect adolescents and young adults.
In plain English
Germ cells are the cells your body uses to make sperm and eggs. The name comes from the word germinate — to begin growing — and has nothing to do with germs or infection. Because germ cells divide and grow rapidly, cancers can sometimes develop from them. Most people first hear the term at diagnosis, because these cancers are usually named after where they occur.
Where can Germ Cell Cancer develop?
Testicles
The most common site. Around 95% of testicular cancers are germ cell cancers, developing from the cells that make sperm.
Ovaries
Germ cell ovarian cancers develop from the cells that make eggs. They are rare, and most often affect younger women.
Outside the reproductive organs
Rarely, germ cell cancers develop elsewhere — most often the chest, abdomen or lower back. These are called extragonadal germ cell cancers.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Lump or swelling
A painless lump, usually in the testicle or ovary
Abdominal pain
Pain in the lower abdomen or back
Breathlessness
Shortness of breath or persistent cough if cancer has spread to the chest
Fatigue and weight loss
Unusual tiredness and unexplained weight loss
Types of Germ Cell Cancer
Understanding where you fit helps you find the right information and support.
Testicular Germ Cell Cancer
The most common cancer in men aged 15–49. Highly treatable, especially when found early — which is why regular self-checking matters.
Learn about Testicular CancerOvarian Germ Cell Cancer
A rare form of ovarian cancer that most often affects women in their teens and twenties. Knowing the symptoms helps you act early.
Learn about Ovarian CancerExtragonadal Germ Cell Cancer
Develops outside the testicles and ovaries, most often in the chest or abdomen. Very rare — your medical team will explain your specific diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Germ cells are the cells the body uses to make sperm and eggs. They're called "germ" cells from the word germinate — to begin growing. It has nothing to do with germs or infection.
Germ cell cancers are rare overall, but they're one of the most common cancer types in teenagers and young adults. Testicular cancer — the most common cancer in men aged 15–49 — is almost always a germ cell cancer.
Yes — around 95% of testicular cancers are germ cell cancers, developing from the cells that make sperm. You can learn more on our Testicular Cancer page.
Some ovarian cancers are. Germ cell ovarian cancers develop from the cells that make eggs and most often affect younger women, but they're much rarer than epithelial ovarian cancer. Learn more on our Ovarian Cancer page.
Extragonadal means "outside the gonads" — the testicles and ovaries. Rarely, germ cell cancers develop elsewhere in the body, most often in the chest, abdomen or lower back, because some germ cells settle there before birth.
You're not alone — most people first hear the term at diagnosis. Germ cell cancers are usually talked about by where they occur (testicular or ovarian cancer), so the umbrella term rarely comes up. That's one of the reasons The Robin Cancer Trust exists.
We support everyone affected by germ cell cancers. Request a free Thriver Pack, join our WhatsApp Communities, or explore all the support available.
Your medical team is the best source of information about your specific diagnosis. For trusted general information, see our Trusted Organisations page, which signposts specialist charities and NHS resources.
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Welcome to the club no-one asked to join. If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with a germ cell cancer, our community, Thriver Packs and support services are here for you.
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