Non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the testis

Sixteen patients (median age 67 yrs.) with non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the testis were studied. Twelve of these patients had disease that was classified as local (Stages IE and IIE). Eight patients had diffuse histiocytic lymphoma, 6 had diffuse poorly differentiated lymphocytic lymphoma, 1 had both lymphoma and seminoma, and 1 had nodular poorly differentiated lymphocytic lymphoma. The overall median survival was 9.5 months. Para-aortic nodal involvement was the factor that had the strongest prognostic influence with the management methods used. Median survival without para-aortic nodal involvement was 57+ months, but with such involvement it was 6 months (p = 0.002). There is a high probability of generalized disease if lymphoma can be detected in the para-aortic nodes. For patients with Stages IE and IIE disease, radical radiation therapy is the preferred treatment. For those with disseminated disease, chemotherapy, with irradiation reserved for symptomatic and bulky localized deposits, is the recommended method of management.