Testicular carcinoma metastatic to the neck.

PURPOSE

To show that a supraclavicular neck mass may be indicative of metastatic testicular carcinoma and to offer further insight into the treatment of residual neck disease.

METHOD

We report six cases of testicular carcinoma metastatic to the neck. All were initially treated with radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of both depending on histological type.

RESULTS

Neck masses persisted despite primary therapy. Three patients underwent subsequent modified neck dissection and remained free of disease; three others received nonsurgical forms of adjuvant therapy and ultimately died of their cancer.

CONCLUSION

Metastatic testicular carcinoma may manifest as a supraclavicular neck mass and must therefore be considered in the differential diagnosis of a mass in this region. Surgical resection is indicated in the management of neck masses that persist after cytoreductive chemotherapy to remove residual foci of disease and potential source of spread.