Management of non-germinal testicular tumors.

OBJECTIVES: Non-germinal tumors account for less than 10% of all testicular tumors and consist of a wide array of benign and malignant lesions. Due to their rarity, little is known about the appropriate management of malignant non-germinal testicular tumors.
METHODS: A literature review directed at the variety of non-germinal testicular tumors using the Medline/PubMed database was performed. Our review was focused on the natural history of these diseases, the treatment regimens utilized, and the outcomes of the various treatments.
RESULTS: The majority of data on the treatment of non-germinal testicular tumors comes from case series and retrospective reviews; thus the management of many of these diseases is a matter of debate. Recommendations for the treatment of patients with these rare diseases are made based on available data. For many of these diseases, radical inguinal orchiectomy is the initial treatment of choice, and further treatment differs based on pathology and staging studies.
CONCLUSION: Non-germinal testicular tumors are a diverse group of rare lesions, and as a result their management is often difficult. A multi-disciplinary approach to management is needed in these patients; however, efficacious chemotherapeutic regimens are often lacking. Due to poor alternatives, patients may benefit from early surgical intervention, including RPLND.