Testicular tumors in prepubescent patients

Pediatric testicular tumors are rare, constituting only 1% of all pediatric solid tumors. Single-institution studies addressing pediatric testicular tumors published to date have been limited in the number of patients.

We utilized the National Cancer Data Base (1998-2012) to review all prepubescent patients (≤12 years old) with testicular neoplasms. Demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment modalities, and outcomes were abstracted.

A total of 479 patients were identified, with a median age of 3 years (IQR 0-4) at diagnosis. 67% of cases were diagnosed by 3 years of age. Yolk sac tumors were the most common histology (202 patients, 42.2%). Most tumors were diagnosed at a low stage. Resection was performed in 465 boys, with 75% having undergone radical orchiectomies. Chemotherapy was utilized in 28% of cases and radiotherapy in 7%. With mean follow-up of 5.6 years, mortality rate was 3%. No difference in mortality was noted based on histology or extent of surgical resection.

This series of prepubertal testicular tumors is the largest yet reported and highlights the patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment modalities and outcomes for these tumors.

Prognosis study LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.