The Management of Testicular Tumors in Children

Abstract

Of 43 testicular tumors in children seen at the Children''s Hospital Medical Center and Sidney Farber Cancer Institute [USA], 33 were malignant. These tumors occurred primarily in young children. Any solid scrotal mass in an infant must be considered malignant until proved otherwise. Primary emphasis is placed on the 20 cases of embryonal cell carcinoma. Of 9 patients who underwent only orchiectomy 5 died, whereas all 11 patients who received combination therapy survived. Radical inguinal orchiectomy, extended unilateral retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy in repeated courses for 2 yr are recommended. Radiotherapy is withheld if the lymphadenectomy is negative.