Pediatria pre prax 2/2015

Late diagnosis of testicular germ cell tumors and its impact on prognosis

Introduction:Testicular tumors in children and adolescents are rare diseases with very good prognosis. Biological characteristics of germ cell tumors depends on the type of histology, stage and age at the time of diagnosis. Case report: 14 years old boy was urgently admitted to the hospital because of hemoptysis. Chest X ray showed round shaped lesions bilateraly. Suprisingly, extremely enlarged left testicle was found. Ultrasound confirmed tumor in left testicle, tumor markers were elevated and dissemination in lungs, retroperitoneal lymph nodes and CNS as well, was present. Despite three chemotherapeutic regimens the patient died 8 months from the diagnosis. Conclusions:Testicular tumors in adolescent boys are usually diagnosed in advanced stage after several months history of continuous enlargement. Whole body examination of patients and selfexamination of testicles in pubertal boys could lead to earlier diagnosis and improve the chance to cure.

Keywords: testicular tumors, germ cell tumors, adolescents.