[Diagnostic and therapeutic management of testicular tumors. Review of 15 years].

We reviewed our data on the diagnosis and treatment of testicular tumors during the period spanning January, 1975 to December, 1989 and compared them with the data reported in the literature. The records of 26 cases of germ cell tumors were analyzed. These had a follow-up ranging from 6 to 162 months (mean 36 months). We highlight the usefulness of CT and tumor markers in the diagnosis, staging and follow-up. We consider radical inguinal orchiectomy to be the initial treatment. The therapeutic approach thereafter depends on the histological findings and tumor stage. Currently, patients are followed very carefully after orchiectomy of stage I tumors. Multiple chemotherapy of tumors in the advanced stages has increased the incidence of survival and complete remission. Furthermore, this chemotherapeutic approach has occasionally converted surgery into and adjuvant treatment modality.