RESUMO
Germ cell tumors in children are rare but the predominent pathologic type is the yolk sac carcinoma. And there are no specific guidelines for the treatment of the young child with a testis tumor of the yolk sac or endodermal sinus type. Initial treatment of radical orchiectomy is not in question. However, because of its presumed less virulent character, especially in children less 2 years old, confusion remains As to adjunctive treatment for yolk sac carcinoma. Although chemotherapy is so effective its toxicity cannot be minimized. Therefore, adjunctive chemotherapy should be reserved for those patients who have lymphatic spread. Young children with yolk sac tumors are not immune to metastatic disease and, regardless of age, should be treated with retroperitoneal Iymphadenectomy for staging and appropriate treatment regimens. Herein we report two cases of yolk sac carcinomas in children treated with adjunctive chemotherapy and nerve sparing retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy.