Peculiarities of yolk sac tumor in head and neck: A case report and literature review

Yolk sac tumor (YST) is the most common malignant germ cell tumor of head and neck region, constituting around 1% of all malignant germ cells. The rarity of the tumor has led to a relatively sparse collective description of clinical and prognostic factors of such a tumor affecting head and neck region. In this case report with review of the literature, we have highlighted certain peculiar features of YSTs affecting the head and neck region. They seem to commonly affect female children. These tumors seem to fare poorly in children of <1 year of age. Multimodality of treatment consisting of combination chemotherapy with the cisplatin-based regimen and surgery and/or radiotherapy helps in achieving long-term disease-free survival in those affected.