Familial testicular cancer in a father (bilateral seminoma-embryonal cell carcinoma) and son (teratocarcinoma).A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Familial testicular neoplasia is reported in a father and his son. This represents only the fifth published case of father-son testicular cancer. The father had bilateral testicular seminoma with embryonal cell elements while the son had teratocarcinoma. The clinical significance of familial testicular neoplasia is discussed and the subject of father and son testicular cancer is reviewed. This case of father-son testicular neoplasia illustrates the following important points: 1) there is a continuing need to document and describe each case of familial testicular cancer in order to better evaluate the pathogenesis of this familial occurrence; 2) prospective genetic and laboratory studies will be needed to definitively clarify the specific factors involved in the familial clustering or transmission of this type of cancer; and 3) this tendency for testicular cancer to affect multiple kindred must be considered in the proper guidance and counseling of affected patients and their high-risk family members.