Testicular tumors in infants and children

Primary malignant tumors of the testis are uncommon in infants and children. Tumors of germ cell origin are identified most frequently. The clinical presentation is usually due to the presence of an enlarging scrotal mass. Determinations of the serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) levels are helpful for diagnosis and management. All suspected testicular tumors should be surgically evaluated through a high inguinal incision. Postoperative chemotherapy is recommended for some patients with yolk sac tumor and all patients with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Prolonged relapse-free survival is possible for most infants and children with malignant testicular tumors.