[Usefulness of fine needle aspiration puncture in the diagnosis of testicular neoplasms and in the study of testicular physiopathology].

OBJECTIVE

To review the current use of fine needle aspiration in the diagnosis of intratubular germ cell tumor and other testicular pathology.

METHODS

The Medline database was accessed to review the literature on fine needle aspiration. Journal articles, monographs and books on the subject were also reviewed.

RESULTS

The cytological findings on fine needle aspiration were not found to be conclusive in the diagnosis of intratubular germ cell tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical testicular biopsy is currently considered to be the only reliable diagnostic method for intratubular germ cell tumor and in the determination of the pathogenesis of male infertility. However, conventional open surgical biopsy and thru-cut biopsy are not atraumatic procedures and cause injury to the testis. The sensitivity of fine needle aspiration as a diagnostic procedure has not yet been established, probably due to the lack of information or consensus on the characteristic findings on which to establish the diagnosis of intratubular germ cell tumor, or for application in the diagnosis and follow-up of testicular tumors and the study of testicular physiopathology.