Onkológia 6/2007

TESTICULAR TUMOR IN CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS. DIFFERENCES IN BIOLOGY ACROSS THE AGE

Testicular tumors are rare tumors with bimodal age distribution. Majority of testicular tumors are represented by heterogenous group of germ cell tumors with broad spectrum of histological forms - from benign mature teratoma to higly malignant tumors. Spectrum of histological subtypes of germ cell tumors are age specific, depend on the age at diagnosis. Age specific distribution of germ cell tumors is most probabaly due to different pathogenesis. Different mechanism of pathogenesis is reflected on age specific cytogenetic and molecular genetic characteristics. All these factors could explain different clinical behavior of the same type of germ cell tumors in different age groups . The latest informations lead to new recommendations of diagnostic and therapeutic approach reflected not only histology, but also age of the patient.

Keywords: testicular tumors, epidemiology, pathogenesis, age specific differences, biology, therapy