Testis Sparing Surgery for Benign Testicular Masses: Diagnostics and Therapeutic Approaches

Small benign testicular masses are often misinterpreted as germ cell tumors and immediate inguinal orchiectomy is performed. We analyzed the diagnostic and therapeutic workup of testicular masses to improve preoperative stratification algorithms.

We performed a retrospective, single center analysis of the records of 522 patients diagnosed with primary testicular masses of unknown malignant potential.

A total of 28 patients (5%) showed a primary benign tumor after resection, including Leydig cell tumors in 9 (32%), epidermoid cysts in 9 (32%), adenomatoid tumors in 8 (29%) and Sertoli cell tumors in 2 (7%). The median volume of benign tumors was significantly less than that of malignant tumors (0.75 cm³, range 0.1 to 2.1 vs 15, range 4.5-39.9, p ≤0.001). At a cutoff of 2.8 cm³ tumor volume most accurately differentiated between benign and malignant disease, and it was a predictor of malignancy with 83% sensitivity and 89% specificity (OR 1.389, 95% CI 1.035-1.864, p = 0.029). Symptom duration in patients with benign tumors was significantly longer (365 days, range 25.5 to 365 vs 20, range 7 to 42, p ≤0.001). Also, tumor markers were unaltered in benign lesions. In patients with benign tumors significantly more fertility disorders or cryptorchidism were found (p ≤0.001) as well as a tendency toward lower testosterone (3.9 μg/l, range 0.9 to 4.9 vs 5.3, range 3.5 to 6.8, p = 0.084). Testis sparing surgery was performed in 22 of all patients (79%) with benign tumors. There was no case of relapse during followup.

Nongerm cell tumors should be considered when small testicular masses have a volume of less than 2.8 cm³ and there are hormone disorders or normal tumor markers. Immediate orchiectomy should be avoided, favoring testis sparing surgery.