Glossary

NSGCT

Nonseminomatus germ cell tumour. Cancerous tumours found in the pineal gland in the brain, mediastinum or abdomen, originating from pluripotent cells that were destined to form sex cells.  

Germ layers

The ectoderm, endoderm, or mesoderm, into which some embryos differentiate into at the gastrula stage to further differentiate into organs and tissues of the body.

Rathke’s pouch

Depression in the roof of the developing mouth.

Neoplasm

Uncontrolled growth of abnormal tissue.

Benign

Tumour that is not malignant.

Malignant

Uncontrolled growth of a tumour characterised by invasiveness, metastasis and anaplasia.

Metastasis

Transfer of cancerous cells to other parts of the body via blood or membranous surfaces.

Neonatal

Newborn baby