Retroperitoneal germ cell tumors with no apparent testicular involvement

Five men with retroperitoneal germ cell tumors and no apparent testicular involvement are described. Each case has a different feature lending support to one of the various theories concerning the origin of these tumors. Patients with such a tumor are best managed without removal or biopsy of either testis. Careful, periodic re-examination of both testes is suggested. Only if a testis subsequently becomes abnormal is its removal indicated.