Value of MRI in the diagnosis and staging of testicular tumors.

Ultrasound is currently the primary imaging modality for the assessment of scrotal disease. In acute pathology, colour Doppler adds further confirmation about blood flow to the testicles and surrounding structures. MR is emerging as a powerful tool to image the scrotum. Compared with sonography, MR has a wider field of view and a greater tissue contrast. The current status of MR imaging and its role in the evaluation and local staging of testicular tumors is evaluated in this retrospective study. MR is able to differentiate seminomatous from non-seminomatous tumors in nearly all cases. However, stromal tumors (e.g. Leydig cell tumors) cannot be differentiated from seminomatous tumors, and some benign lesions, as an intratesticular hematoma, cannot be differentiated from non-seminomatous tumors. Microscopic extension in or beyond the tunica albuginea cannot be evaluated.