After Treatment

After treatment for a germ cell tumor ends, talk with your child’s doctor about developing a follow-up care plan. This plan may include regular physical examinations and/or medical tests to monitor your child’s recovery for the coming months and years. All children treated for cancer, including germ cell tumors, should have life-long, follow-up care.

Generally, children treated for a germ cell tumor are monitored using physical examinations, x-rays, and blood tests for two years after treatment ends to check for possible recurrence. After this time, it is unlikely that the tumor will recur, and the focus of the follow-up changes to potential late side effects of chemotherapy (if given). Because of the effects of the drugs most commonly used to treat these tumors, regular tests of kidney function, lung function, fertility (ability to have children), and blood cell production may be needed.

Based on the type of treatment the child received, the doctor will determine what examinations and tests are needed to check for long-term side effects, such as growth and development abnormalities, organ damage, and the possibility of secondary cancers. Your child’s doctor can recommend the necessary screening tests. Follow-up care should also address the child’s quality of life, including any developmental or emotional concerns. Learn more about Childhood Cancer Survivorship.

The child’s family is encouraged to organize and keep a record of the child’s medical information, so that as the child enters adulthood, he or she has a clear, written history of the diagnosis and details of the treatment given. The doctor’s office can help you compile this, and it should include recommendations from the doctor about the schedule for follow-up care. This information will be valuable to doctors who care for your child during his or her lifetime.

Children who have had a germ cell tumor can also enhance the quality of their future by following established guidelines for good health into and through adulthood, including not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and participating in regular physical activity. Talk with the doctor about developing a plan that is best for your child’s needs. 

To learn about the terms used in this section, read the Cancer.Net Feature: Cancer Terms to Know: After Treatment.