Updates in 2022 on the staging of testicular germ cell tumors

Hum Pathol. 2022 Oct:128:152-160. doi: 10.1016/j.humpath.2022.07.009. Epub 2022 Aug 1.

Abstract

Testicular cancer is the most common solid neoplasm of adult men between the ages of 20 and 40 years. Germ cell tumors account for 95% of all testicular tumors. The assessment of staging is essential to guide further management of patients with testicular cancer and to prognosticate cancer-related outcomes. Postradical orchiectomy treatment options, including adjuvant therapy and active surveillance, vary based on the anatomical extent of disease, serum tumor markers, pathologic diagnosis, and imaging. This review provides an update on the germ cell tumor staging system adopted by the 8th edition of the American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC) Staging Manual, treatment implications, risk factors, and predictors of outcomes.

Keywords: Clinical stage; Germ cell tumor; Lymphovascular invasion; Pathologic stage; Rete testis invasion; Spermatic cord involvement; Testis cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / pathology
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal* / pathology
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal* / therapy
  • Orchiectomy
  • Testicular Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Testicular Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor

Supplementary concepts

  • Testicular Germ Cell Tumor