Seminoma

Seminoma (also known as pure seminoma or classical seminoma) is a germ cell tumor (cancer) of the testis. It is one of the most treatable and curable cancers, with survival >95% in the early stages. Treatment usually requires removal of one testis, but this does not affect fertility or other sexual functioning.

Seminoma originates in the germinal epithelium of the seminiferous tubules.

Presentation

The average age of diagnosis is 40 years. This is about 5 to 10 years older than men with other germ cell tumors of the testes. In most cases, they produce masses that are readily felt on testicular self-examination; however, in up to 11 percent of cases, there may be no mass able to be felt, or there may be testicular atrophy. Testicular pain is reported in up to one fifth of cases. Low back pain may occur after metastasis to the retroperitoneum.

Some cases of seminoma can present as a primary tumour outside the testis. In the ovary, the tumor is called a dysgerminoma, and in non-gonadal sites, particularly the central nervous system, it is called a germinoma.

Diagnosis

Blood tests may detect the presence of placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) in fifty percent of cases. ......
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