[Histological features and principles of treating testicle tumors in the elderly subject].

After the 6th decade, primitive lymphomas are the most frequent tumors of the testis (>30%). They are usually high grade lymphomas that commonly disseminate to the central nervous system. Chemotherapy depends on histological subtype. Germ cell tumors, mainly seminomas, represent less than 20% cases. Therapy do not differ from young adults germ cell tumors. Sex cord stromal tumors, mesenchymal benign tumors, sarcomas and metastasis represent approximately 10% of cases each. The first two are usually cured after orchidectomy. Prognosis of sarcoma is bad. The one of metastasis depends on primitive tumor (prostatic or pulmonary adenocarcinoma or melanoma mainly). Spermatocytic seminoma is a rare and benign tumor, if no sarcomatous component is observed. Mesothelioma are also very rare and of bad prognosis. Other histological subtype are extraordinary rare. This particular histological profile must be in mind when considering the appropriate therapeutic approach of testis tumors in elderly. This work is based on data collected between 1990 to 2005 by the french pathologists of the GELU. (c) 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.