High-resolution ultrasonographic and pathologic abnormalities of germ cell tumors in patients with clinically normal testes.

Germ cell tumors that manifest as extragonadal masses in patients with testes that are normal to palpation are an unusual clinical finding. The possibility of the existence of an occult testicular primary tumor has prompted investigation of noninvasive techniques to examine the testes. The records of patients who had undergone high-resolution real-time ultrasonography of the testes were matched to those of patients who had presented with newly diagnosed germ cell tumors from January 1981 through October 1982. Six patients were identified, and their case records are reviewed. Ultrasonographic and pathologic findings are discussed. High-resolution ultrasonography seems to be an important adjuvant test in the assessment of patients with germ cell tumors who present with extragonadal disease.