Abstract
Objective: To report a rare case of a non-seminomatous germ cell tumor of the type “Yolk Sac Tumor” in the anterior mediastinum in a young patient with an unfavorable outcome. Case report: Young man with initial insidious presentation of malaise and fever at home, frequently visiting primary care. Because of the progression of symptoms, he underwent chest X-ray, this exam evidenced widening of the anterior mediastinum and it was opted for hospitalization and diagnostic clarification. It took place with a gradual worsening of symptoms and an exponential and rapid increase in the size of the mediastinal mass. Two biopsies were performed, the second one demonstrated that it was a non-seminomatous germ cell tumor of the yolk sac type. It had 24,563 alpha-fetoprotein. The patient evolved in need of intensive care and mechanical ventilation. He received his first chemotherapy session, but died after four months of the disease. Final considerations: Anterior mediastinal tumors are diverse and are not limited to teratomas, thymomas and lymphomas. Tumors derived from extragonal germ cells are examples that affect young men and have a poor prognosis.