[Morphologic criteria for the evaluation of beta-HCG positive seminoma]

Histopathological work-up of 47 pure seminomas detected in patients with elevated serum beta-HCG levels was performed as part of the multicentre study on the prognosis of beta-HCG-secreting seminoma. There was no relation between number of specimens and the detection of syncytitrophoblastic giant cells. Invasion of lymph vessels, however, was not found in even 1 case when only 1-10 specimens were examined, whilst when 21-30 specimens were examined this was detected in 33.3%. Invasion of small veins was seen in 8.3% with 1-10 specimens and in 33.3% with 21-30 specimens. That is to say that with increasing number of specimens the rate of detection with be enhanced. To take allow economic factors to be taken account of as well as the clinical demand for comprehensive pathological diagnosis, a diagnostic screening test is recommended. This includes the anatomy of testicular veins and lymph vessels and macroscopic features, to increase the probability that vascular invasion will be detected.