[Pathologic anatomy of tumors of the testis]

Pathological examination of testicular tumours demonstrates the heterogeneity of the histological types encountered. Germ cell tumours, with one or several components, represent 95% of all testicular tumours. The distinction between these various types is always based on morphological criteria, but may also be facilitated by the use of immunolabelling techniques on fixed sections. The local and regional extension and the distinction between seminomatous and non-seminomatous germ cell tumours are important criteria in the subsequent therapeutic strategy. At the present time, there is no consensus concerning the selection of other histoprognostic criteria, which may be observed in the primary tumour it its metastases. Residual masses also have a variable histology and their pathophysiology is sometimes difficult to interpret.