| Item category | Specific item | Notes (e.g., postpubertal-type, patterns) | Key evidence snippet (short) | Source (authors, year, journal, DOI URL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Synonym | Endodermal sinus tumor | Common synonym for yolk sac tumor, especially in ovarian literature | “yolk sac tumor (endodermal sinus tumor)” (pqac-00000006) | De Maria et al., 2025, *Journal of Gynecologic Oncology*, https://doi.org/10.3802/jgo.2025.36.e108 |
| Classification | Malignant germ cell tumor | Derived from primordial germ cells; includes gonadal and extragonadal presentations | “a highly malignant germ cell tumor” (pqac-00000005, pqac-00000032) | Wang et al., 2024, *Frontiers in Oncology*, https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2024.1437728; Pinto et al., 2023, *Cancers*, https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15112990 |
| Classification | WHO ovarian germ cell tumor entity | Listed as a distinct entity in WHO 2020 ovarian germ cell tumor classification | “yolk sac tumor (endodermal sinus tumor) is listed as a distinct entity in the WHO 2020 classification” (pqac-00000006) | De Maria et al., 2025, *Journal of Gynecologic Oncology*, https://doi.org/10.3802/jgo.2025.36.e108 |
| Classification | Postpubertal-type yolk sac tumor | Testicular/postpubertal context; broad histologic spectrum complicates diagnosis | “YSTpt shows a wide range of histological patterns and is challenging to diagnose” (pqac-00000007) | Ricci et al., 2023, *Histopathology*, https://doi.org/10.1111/his.14968 |
| Biomarker | Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), serum | Core serum marker for diagnosis and monitoring; may be markedly elevated but not universally positive | “AFP is a highly specific diagnostic and monitoring marker” and “most patients have AFP >1,000 ng/mL” (pqac-00000004); “AFP was elevated in all patients (100%, 16/16)” (pqac-00000021) | Cui et al., 2025, *Frontiers in Oncology*, https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2025.1551266; Chen et al., 2024, *Frontiers in Oncology*, https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2024.1417761 |
| Biomarker | AFP, immunohistochemistry | Often positive, but can be focal/weak or occasionally negative compared with other markers | “AFP is often only focal and weak or absent” in some YSTpt patterns (pqac-00000007) | Ricci et al., 2023, *Histopathology*, https://doi.org/10.1111/his.14968 |
| Biomarker | Glypican-3 (GPC3) | Sensitive YST IHC marker; may outperform AFP in sensitivity | “GPC-3 is a sensitive YST marker and can outperform AFP” (pqac-00000000); “roughly threefold higher sensitivity than AFP” (pqac-00000005) | Cui et al., 2025, *Frontiers in Oncology*, https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2025.1551266; Wang et al., 2024, *Frontiers in Oncology*, https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2024.1437728 |
| Biomarker | SALL4 | Sensitive germ cell marker; useful in differential diagnosis | “SALL4 is expressed in all germ cell tumors except choriocarcinoma” and recommended in combined panels (pqac-00000000) | Cui et al., 2025, *Frontiers in Oncology*, https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2025.1551266 |
| Biomarker | FOXA2 | Reliable nuclear marker for postpubertal-type YST across patterns | “FOXA2 gives a clear, easily interpretable nuclear signal” with “diffuse and strong stain” (pqac-00000007) | Ricci et al., 2023, *Histopathology*, https://doi.org/10.1111/his.14968 |
| Biomarker | OCT3/4 negativity | Helpful exclusion marker against embryonal carcinoma in ovarian YST workup | “OCT3/4 negativity helping exclude embryonal carcinoma” (pqac-00000001) | Brock et al., 2026, *GSC Advanced Research and Reviews*, https://doi.org/10.30574/gscarr.2026.26.1.0023 |
| Biomarker | Combined IHC panel: AFP + GPC3 + SALL4 | Best used with morphology; at least 2 markers can strengthen diagnosis | “combined IHC (≥2 markers among SALL4, GPC-3, AFP) plus morphology is recommended” (pqac-00000000) | Cui et al., 2025, *Frontiers in Oncology*, https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2025.1551266 |
| Classification | Histologic hallmarks | Classic patterns include reticular/microcystic growth and Schiller–Duval bodies | “characteristic Schiller–Duval bodies” (pqac-00000005); “reticular pattern, Schiller-Duval bodies” (pqac-00000000) | Wang et al., 2024, *Frontiers in Oncology*, https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2024.1437728; Cui et al., 2025, *Frontiers in Oncology*, https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2025.1551266 |
| Classification | Polyvesicular-vitelline (PVV) pattern | Uncommon ovarian YST variant; can mimic benign cystic lesions | “PVV histologic pattern occurs in roughly 25%” and may lack Schiller-Duval bodies (pqac-00000001, pqac-00000003) | Brock et al., 2026, *GSC Advanced Research and Reviews*, https://doi.org/10.30574/gscarr.2026.26.1.0023 |


*Table: This table summarizes key synonyms, classification descriptors, and the most clinically useful serum and immunohistochemical biomarkers for yolk sac tumor. It is useful for building a disease knowledge base entry and for rapid diagnostic reference.*