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. 2015 Jul;56(7):515-8.
doi: 10.4111/kju.2015.56.7.515. Epub 2015 Jun 30.

The incidence and histological characteristics of intratubular germ cell neoplasia in postpubertal cryptorchid testis

Seung Hoon Ryang  1 , Jae Hung Jung  1 , Minseob Eom  2 , Jae Mann Song  1 , Hyun Chul Chung  1 , Yunbyung Chae  3 , Chang Min Lee  1 , Kwang Jin Kim  1
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The incidence and histological characteristics of intratubular germ cell neoplasia in postpubertal cryptorchid testis

Seung Hoon Ryang et al. Korean J Urol. 2015 Jul.

Abstract

Purpose: It is well known that testicular germ cell tumors arise with increased frequency in patients with cryptorchidism. In addition, intratubular germ cell neoplasia (ITGCN) is a precursor lesion to testicular germ cell tumor. Approximately 50% of patients with ITGCN will develop an invasive of testicular germ cell tumors within 5 years. Therefore, we evaluated that the incidence of ITGCN in postpubertal cryptorchidism.

Materials and methods: Between January 2002 and August 2012, orchiectomy specimens from 31 postpubertal patients (aged 12 or over) with cryptorchid testis were reviewed. The specimens were evaluated for ITGCN using immunohistochemical stains of placental-like alkaline phosphatase and Oct 3/4 with routine hematoxylin-eosin stain. Additionally, the degree of spermatogenesis was assessed using the Johnsen score.

Results: Mean age was 34 years (range, 17 to 74 years) at surgery. All patients were diagnosed as unilateral cryptorchidism. One patient (3.2%) of 20-year-old had ITGCN in surgical specimen with all positive markers. Histological assessment of spermatogenesis showed that mean Johnsen score was 3.42 (range, 1 to 9). Majority of patients (27 of 31) presented impaired spermatogenesis with low Johnsen score lesser than 5.

Conclusions: Considering the risk of malignancy and low spermatogenesis, we should perform immunohistochemical stains and discuss preventative orchiectomy for the postpubertal cryptorchidism.

Keywords: Cryptorchidism; Germ cell neoplasms; Puberty.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: The authors have nothing to disclose.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1. The germ cells are positive with immunohistochemical staining of placental-like alkaline phosphatase (A) and Oct 3/4 (B) (×100).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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