Testing Testes: Problems and Recent Advances in the Diagnosis of Testicular Tumours and Implications for Treatment

Abstract 

The low incidence of testicular tumours and the fact that they show an extremely high diversity means that they may be poorly understood. Knowledge of the range of tumours and the differences in treatment available is essential for appropriate management. The advent of cisplatin chemotherapy and the exquisite sensitivity of seminoma to radiotherapy have resulted in excellent cure rates. Nevertheless, research has continued unabated, particularly to understand the molecular basis of germ cell tumours and why certain tumours are recalcitrant to treatment. This overview is an attempt to demystify areas of confusion and highlight areas of current interest in testicular pathology and oncology.

Key words: Classification, germ cell tumours, neoplasms, seminoma, teratoma, testis