State of the art in germ cell tumor imaging

Abstract

Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are the most common tumors of the testis and arise from germinal epithelium cells in the seminiferous tubules. All GCTs show malignant behavior and frequently metastasize. The diagnosis of GCTs depends on the clinical manifestations, laboratory parameters, preoperative imaging features, and tissue biomarkers. Ultrasonography and Doppler ultrasonography are the primary imaging modalities used to evaluate testicular masses. Sonoelastography is a diagnostic tool that can measure the stiffness of tissue and may differentiate between benign and malignant tumors of testis. Magnetic resonance imaging of the scrotum may be used as an additional tool, which may provide additional information owing to its high soft tissue contrast discrimination capability. Computed tomography of the thorax and abdomen and positron emission tomography/computed tomography are used for staging of the disease and for follow-up after treatment.

Keywords: Computed tomography; Germ cell tumor; Magnetic resonance imaging; Testis cancer; Ultrasonography.