Treatment of Testicular Tumours

An analysis of 188 cases of testicular tumours is presented. Of the 103 cases of seminoma treated with orchidectomy and irradiation of the retroperitoneal lymph nodes, 15 died of the disease, all but 2 within 2 years after operation. Of the remaining 88 patients 9 were treated for metastases. Since then, all 9 have been well and free from recurrence 4 to 10 years after therapy. Fifty of the 73 patients with testicular carcinoma died, most of them within 2 years. So far 23 patients have survived 4 to 10 years or more after treatment. Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection was performed in 17 patients. In 11 cases no metastases were found, and 6 of these patients are still free of disease 3 to 7 years later. Six patients had positive nodes at operation and 2 of these have no signs of recurrence 4 and 5 years after initial treatment, respectively. In our opinion, seminomas are best treated with orchidectomy followed by irradiation of the retroperitoneal lymph nodes. Testicular carcinomas should have a retroperitoneal lymph node dissection followed by irradiation of this region