An embryonal carcinoma is an aggressive tumor due to its tendency to early hematogenous spread emphasizing the need for early detection and treatment.

What is the most aggressive testicular tumor?

Nonseminomatous Germ Cell Tumors

Embryonal carcinoma: present in about 40 percent of tumors and among the most rapidly growing and potentially aggressive tumor types. Embryonal carcinoma can secrete HCG or alpha fetoprotein (AFP).

What causes embryonal carcinoma?

The most accepted theory on the development of germ cell tumors involves an initiating event that causes fetal gonocytes to undergo abnormal cell division. As with other germ cell tumors, with the exception of spermatocytic seminoma, embryonal carcinomas are believed to originate from intratubular malignant germ cells.