Testicular tumors in children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the spectrum of testicular tumors in children in an unselected population-based series, as well as the results of testis-preserving surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Our hospital database was analyzed for operations for testicular tumors from 1981 to 2006. The clinical data and findings during follow up (4.7 years) were recorded.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients were operated on because of testicular tumors. In 23 (68%) the tumor was benign: benign teratoma (16), Leydig-cell tumor (2), epidermoid cyst (2), Sertoli-cell tumor (1), cystic dysplasia (1), intratesticular focal fibrosis (1). Eleven patients (32%) had a malignant tumor: yolk-sac tumor (6), embryonal carcinoma (5). Twenty out of the 26 (77%) prepubertal boys had a benign tumor in contrast to only three of the eight (38%) adolescent males (P=0.079). Testis-preserving surgery was performed in 10 patients. In eight, the tumor was curatively excised and remaining testis preserved. Two patients with benign teratoma had a recurrence due to incomplete primary resection. In one patient who underwent orchiectomy for benign teratoma, two metachronous teratomas were detected in the contralateral testis 6 years after primary surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

In children, most testicular tumors are benign, especially before puberty. If testis-preserving surgery is contemplated, complete excision of the tumor should be ascertained. The possibility of metachronous bilateral tumors should be considered in the follow up of testicular teratomas.