Testicular tumors in childhood.

Tumors of the testis are uncommon in childhood comprising only about 2% of all malignant tumors. Twenty-five children with testicular tumors seen in the last 25 yr had 11 orchioblastomas, nine differentiated teratomas, three paratesticular sarcomas, one seminoma, and one dermoid cyst. It must be stressed that, contrary to popular opinion, the prognosis for orchioblastoma is favorable today, eight of the 11 children with this condition have survived for more than 2 yr. Orchiectomy should be followed by rigorous treatment with anticancer chemotherapy for 1 yr. Excision of the para-aortic glands and radiotherapy are not beneficial in prophylaxis. Lymphadenectomy is indicated only if metastases are demonstrated by lymphangiogram. Patients who have survived for more than 2 yr should, in general, be regarded as cured.