[Report of 14 cases of testicular tumors, with special reference to the statistical study on malignant tumors of the testis]

Report on 8 Cases of Testicular Tumors in Childhood

Since 1944, 8 patients under 15 years of age have been hospitalized at the National Cancer Institute in Milano for testicular neoplasms, that is 2 % of all cases. Four were embryonal carcinomas (pure or with associated teratoma and choriocarcinoma), and two were rhabdomyosarcomas. Only one case of seminoma and one case of benign mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis propria of testis were described. Embryonal carcinoma and rhabdomyosarcoma in infants and children should be managed by radical orchiectomy and bilateral retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. Inoperable cases have a very poor prognosis and adequate chemotherapy may prolong survival. Pure seminoma should be treated by radical orchiectomy and radiotherapy on the lymph-nodes as indicated by the extent of the disease. In advanced cases, alkylating agents are very useful. Mesotheliomas are not true testicular tumors, as they arise from the tunica vaginalis propria of testis. They may be benign or malignant. In benign cases orchiectomy alone is sufficient for cure, whereas in malignant instances bilateral retroperitoneal lymph-node dissection in mandatory.

Role of the surgeon in the treatment of children's cancer

The management of children's tumors has changed significantly in the past several years. New techniques and combined surgical, chemotherapeutic, and radiation approaches are responsible for improved survival in most instances. Cooperation of the surgeon with the specialists in separate disciplines is imperative to continued advancements in neoplastic disease of childhood.

Congenital anomalies in children with testicular germ cell tumor

The incidence and type of congenital anomalies associated with childhood testicular germ cell tumors were studied retrospectively in 25 patients (20 cases of yolk sac tumor and 5 cases of teratoma). Congenital anomalies were observed in 3 patients with yolk sac tumors and in 1 patient who had a mature teratoma. The abnormalities observed included individual cases of retrocaval ureter, diverticulum of the bladder, Down's syndrome and an ipsilateral inguinal hernia. Children with a testicular tumor should be examined closely for congenital abnormalities.

Familial testicular teratoma in 2 children: familial report and review of the literature

Familial occurrence of a testicular tumor is rare. We report mature teratomas in 2 first cousins in a consanguineous family. The cases were unique because both tumors were pathologically similar and their onsets were close. Of 34 families with testicular neoplasms reviewed this is the first family composed of 2 affected children with mature teratomas. The analysis of the familial cases showed segregation of twins and a slightly higher incidence of bilateral tumors. The genetic roles are discussed in the etiology of testicular tumor.