National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Polyembryoma


Other Names:
Gonadal polyembryoma
Categories:
This disease is grouped under:
Polyembryoma is a type of tumor that develops from the cells of the gonads (testes in men or ovaries in women).  Such tumors are called germ cell tumors.  Polyembryomas have a distinctive look because they are composed of many parts that are shaped like embryos, one of the earliest stages of a developing human during pregnancy.[1]  Symptoms of a polyembryoma may include an unusual bump or mass in the abdomen which can cause pain in some individuals; puberty at an unusually young age (known as precocious puberty); or irregularities in a female's menstruation.  Treatment begins with surgery and may be followed by chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.[2][3]  The cause of polyembryoma is not yet known.[3]
Last updated: 3/20/2012
Because polyembryomas are quite rare, there are no established guidelines for treating this condition.  However, the first step for treating a polyembryoma is often surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible.  Chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation therapy, have also been used after surgery to destroy any cancer cells that may remain.[2][3]
Last updated: 3/20/2012
The prognosis for individuals diagnosed with a polyembryoma is difficult to determine because of the rarity of this disease.  One study of eleven women with a polyembryoma found that half died within the first year following diagnosis.  The authors of this study suggest that prognosis might vary depending on the precise make-up of each tumor.[3] 
Last updated: 3/20/2012

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Polyembryoma. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

In-Depth Information

  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Polyembryoma. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know. Submit a new question

  • How many cases of polyembryoma have been reported worldwide?  What is the prognosis for polyembryoma?  How might this condition be treated?  What causes polyembryoma? See answer


  1. Ulbright TM. Germ cell tumors of the gonads: a selective review emphasizing problems in differential diagnosis, newly appreciated, and controversial issues. Modern Pathology. 2005; 18 Suppl 2:S61-S79. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15761467. Accessed 3/19/2012.
  2. Beresford L, Fernandez CV, Cummings E, Sanderson S, Ming-Yu W, Giacomantonio M. Mediastinal polyembryoma associated with Klinefelter syndrome. Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. 2003; 25:321-323. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12679648. Accessed 3/19/2012.
  3. Chapman DC, Grover R, Schwartz PE. Conservative management of an ovarian polyembryoma. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1994; 83:879-882. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8159384. Accessed 3/19/2012.