Diagnosis and treatment of rare testicular tumors using the example of malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis and Sertoli cell tumors

Abstract

Rare tumors of the testis not originating from germinal epithelium are adiagnostic and therapeutic challenge. To present current approaches in rare tumors of the testis using the examples of Sertoli cell tumor (SCT) and malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginal testis (MMTVT). A literature search in PubMed and the abstract databases of ASCO and ESMO was performed. Articles and book chapters were selected based on relevance to everyday treatment. The low incidence of testicular tumors not originating from the germinal epithelium makes astandardized approach difficult. Diagnosis and treatment depend on the underlying diagnosis. While most SCT are benign, malignant subtypes require extensive resection including metastatic surgery if complete resection is possible. In MMTVT, multimodality treatment concepts are followed, according to the malignant mesotheliomas of the pleura. Systematic registration of rare testicular tumors and comprehensive molecular pathological analysis are urgently needed to improve the understanding of tumor biology and to develop new therapeutic strategies.