Human Yolk Sac and Yolk Sac Tumors

This monograph deals with the subject of the human yolk sac and yolk sac tumours in a multidisciplinary form. Recent interest in the study of early pregnancy and advances in imaging techniques, biochemistry and teratology have focused attention on the fact that the yolk sac is one of the few organs in humans that has not, as yet, been explored in depth. Human yolk sac tumours are shown to be a malignancy with an exciting histopathology, and treatment schedules are saving an ever-increasing number of patients. The book consists of original research work from scientists worldwide in the fields of developmental biology, histology and biochemistry. Aspects relevant to clinical practice are provided in chapters on ultrasound and on the pathology of the human yolk sac in normal and abnormal pregnancies. Yolk sac tumours are studied from the viewpoints of their histogenesis, histopathology and treatment.