[Do inguinal lymph node metastases of germinal tumors of the testis exist?]

Abdomino-aortic glands are usually involved by regional extension of germinal tumors of testis. Inguinal gland extension may occur from alteration of lymphatic circulation due to inguinoscrotal surgery and post-orchidectomy scrotal contamination. Among 140 patients treated in Val-de-Grâce Army Hospital between 1978 and 1985, only one patient with a pure non-seminoma germinal tumor developed inguinal gland metastases. Causes of inguinal gland extension are analyzed based on past history of this patient, involving repair of inguinal hernia and orchidopexy. Proposed therapy includes inguinoscrotal radiotherapy for seminoma, surveillance or chemotherapy for a pure non-seminoma germinal tumor.