Testicular tumours in children.

The rarity of testicular and paratesticular cancer makes the evaluation of treatment and results difficult. One childhood tumour which differs from adult testicular cancer is the yolk-sac tumour. Because of its less aggressive nature and the young age at which these children present, radical orchidectomy is adequate surgery. There is little evidence to support the view that retroperitoneal node dissection, radiotherapy or prophylactic chemotherapy improves the survival rate. By careful follow-up, metastatic disease or recurrence can be detected and early chemotherapy instituted. The overall prognosis for children with these tumours is good. In a series of 9 patients with yolk-sac tumours 8 have survived free of disease for 9 months-14 years since diagnosis.