Osmosis video - Testicular tumors: Pathology review

Testicular tumors are abnormal growths that can develop in one or both testicles. Most testicular tumors are germ cell tumors and can be classified into seminomas, which are the common ones and have a better prognosis; and non-seminomas, which have a worse prognosis.

Non-seminomas include yolk sac tumors, which are the most common type in children; choriocarcinomas, which are associated with hyperthyroidism and gynecomastia; teratomas, which are usually benign in children and malignant in adults; and embryonal carcinomas, which are rare as pure carcinomas but a common element of mixed germ cell tumors. Non-germ cell testicular tumors come from the Sertoli cells, which don't produce hormones, or the Leydig cells which can secrete excess male and female sex hormones. Diagnosis is made primarily with physical examination, ultrasound findings, and determination of serologic tumor markers, including PLAP, AFP, hCG, and LDH. Treatment is radical orchiectomy, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy.