Problems in Management of Primary Bilateral Germ Cell Testicular Tumors: Report of 3 Cases and Review of Literature

Abstract

Bilateral primary germ cell tumors are uncommon but not rare in men with primary teticular tumors. In this series of 78 cases of germ cell tumors 3 (3.8%) were bilateral. In the management of a 2nd neoplasm the same general principles apply as those for the 1st tumor but one must be aware of the potential complications of radiation therapy when the total dose for cure of the 1st and 2nd neoplasms exceeds the tolerance dose of normal tissue, and therapy mus be modified accordingly. Prognosis is not necessarily poor when a 2nd primary tumor develops and complications can be reduced to a low level with appropriate therapy. An outline for therapy is presented.