Primary embryonal carcinoma of the retroperitoneum.

A 32-year-old man with primary embryonal carcinoma of the retroperitoneum, a very rare condition, is reported. The disease took an acute course with rapid enlargement of cervical and inguinal lymph nodes, and high serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) values were observed. His testes were, however, intact. Remarkable tumor regression was achieved by systemic combination chemotherapy with cisplatin, vinblastine, and bleomycin (PVB therapy). This chemotherapy is beneficial even in advanced cases. In the two years since therapy, no recurrence has been observed.