[Spermatocytic seminoma. Study of 8 cases and review of the literature (author's transl)].

Spermatocytic seminoma is a distinct testicular germ cell tumor. Eight cases are described, one is examined by electron microscopy and 65 from the literature are reviewed. The most pertinent ultrastructural findings are the intercellular bridges which indicate maturation toward the spermatocytic cell line. They also give validity to the hypothesis that spermatocytic seminoma is derived from spermatogonia or spermatocytes. This neoplasm has distinct clinical features and peculiar biological proprieties: 50% of the patients are 50 years old or more at time of diagnosis. Only intrascrotal testis are involved. Association with other testicular germ cell tumors is rare (1 case). The neoplastic cells seem to have poor mobility. The potential for spread is limited: microscopic invasion of the albuginae and epididymis has been described in only 4 cases; metastases are not documented. The prognosis is outstanding: all but two patients are free of disease 1 month to 19 years after diagnosis (median 7 years). Two patients (3%) are dead with clinical evidence of dissemination. Postoperative radiotherapy to pelvic and lateroaortic areas has been administered to 60% of the cases. It is noteworthy that there is no appreciable survival diffference whether radiotherapy has been given or not. In our experience orchiectomy is sufficient.