Bilateral testicular germ cell tumours: A single hospital experience

Background The incidence of testicular germ cell tumours (TGCT) is increasing and the improvement in survival may lead to an increased incidence of bilateral tumours. We examined the incidence, prognosis, clinical and histological characteristics, treatment and outcome of patients with bilateral TGCTs based on 15 years of experience from a single institution. Material and methods We reviewed the charts from all patients treated for a testicular tumour germ cell at Hospital Vall d'Hebron in Barcelona, Spain. The information was retrospectively obtained from the patients' hospital. All the patients were evaluated with clinical history, physical exam, serum markers (αFP, LDH and βhCG), ultrasonographic evaluation of the testicles, computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest, abdomen and pelvis, surgery, location and histology of fi rst and second tumour, treatment after the surgery and follow-up. Results Of 151 patients with TGCT, 8 (5.3%) developed bilateral tumours, seven (4.6%) were metachronous and one (0.7%) synchronous tumours. Two patients underwent testis-sparing surgery for the second tumour. All the patients are alive without evidence of disease based on physical exam, tumour markers and CT scan. Conclusions Survival in patients with bilateral testicular germ cell tumours (BTGCT) is similar to that of patients with unilateral TGCT. There is no standard therapy to treat BTGCT and each patient requires a tailored therapeutic treatment.