Purpose: The natural history of Leydig cell testicular tumors is not well known, and differentiation between malignant and benign forms is not easy. We performed a retrospective multicenter evaluation of clinical and histological characteristics as well as followup of Leydig cell tumors.
Materials and methods: From 1990 to August 2004 surgery was performed on 24 Leydig cell tumors. Before surgery all patients underwent clinical examination, tumor markers (alpha-fetoprotein, beta-human chorionic gonadotropin, lactate dehydrogenase), scrotal ultrasound and chest x-ray. Surgery was performed under ultrasound or palpation guidance via inguinotomy with clamping of the spermatic cord. Lesions less than 3 cm in diameter were resected and sent for frozen section examination. Histological criteria were considered. Abdominal computerized tomography or ultrasound and chest x-ray were performed postoperatively every 3 months for the first 2 years and every 6 months thereafter.
Results: Patient age range was 22 to 61 years (mean 37.75). In 7 patients (29.2%) the lesion was palpable and incidental diagnosis was made in 10 patients (41.7%). In the other patients diagnosis was made by ultrasound performed for testicular pain (4 patients, 16.6%) or the appearance of gynecomastia (3 patients, 12.5%). Frozen section examination was done in 20 of 24 patients (83%). In 17 of 20 patients (85%) Leydig cell tumor was diagnosed on frozen section examination. All patients underwent radical orchiectomy. All definitive diagnoses interpreted the neoplasia as benign. Average followup was 117 months (range 11 to 241). There was no disease recurrence or progression and all patients are currently disease-free.
Conclusions: In our case study all Leydig cell tumors were interpreted as benign and long-term followup was negative.