[Approximation to conservative surgery of Leydig cell tumor].

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the clinical and histological characteristics of 5 cases of Leydig cell tumor in order to establish the criteria for conservative surgical management.

METHODS

Of 31 testicular tumors diagnosed from 1982-1993, 5(16.1%) were Leydig cell tumors. We analyzed patient general characteristics, the prevalent feminizing (60%) and hypogonadal features and the histopathological characteristics that might indicate a non aggressive course of the tumor.

RESULTS

No metastasis was observed at 522.9 months mean follow up. Three patients underwent orchidectomy through the inguinal approach; one case had been incidentally discovered after subalbuginea resection due to a disseminated prostatic carcinoma and the fifth patient was treated conservatively by tumorectomy and is tumor-free at more than 120 months follow up.

CONCLUSIONS

Parenchyma-sparing surgery may have a place in the treatment of interstitial cell tumor, with evident endocrinological and psychological benefits, especially in the young males that meet the clinical and histological criteria for conservative surgical management.