Priorities for computed tomography in the management of testicular seminoma

A study to assess the role of computed tomography (CT) in the management of testicular seminoma showed that CT was of value in defining the extent of bulky abdominal disease at initial staging. After radiotherapy for Stage IIc disease, relapse by 1 year was common and predominantly extra-abdominal. Mediastinal relapse was detected by CT in the absence of raised serum tumour markers or changes on the chest radiograph. It was concluded that CT should be used at initial staging only to assess the volume of bulk disease shown by lymphangiography, that no benefit seemed to accrue from CT scanning of Stage I and IIa patients and that the follow-up of Stage IIb and IIc patients requires regular CT surveillance in the first year, irrespective of clinical status.