A child with an intra-abdominal testicular teratoma: a case report and review of prepubertal cryptorchid germ cell tumors

Abstract

Objectives: We report the case of a tumor in an intra-abdominal cryptorchid testis of a 7-month-old male infant. Torsion of a testicular teratoma was confirmed by pathologic examination. A review was undertaken to identify and characterize other reports of prepubertal cryptorchid germ cell neoplasms.

Methods: Cases of testicular germ cell neoplasms in association with cryptorchidism in phenotypically normal males were identified through a MEDLINE search of the English literature and review of published bibliographies.

Results: A total of 14 cases were identified with testis location provided in 12 patients. Half of the neoplasms were located in abdominal testis, and all of these were associated with torsion, although 2 of 6 patients were asymptomatic. Two patients had tumors in the contralateral normally descended testis. Teratoma was the most frequently encountered tumor type.

Conclusions: Characteristics of prepubertal cryptorchid testicular germ cell tumors reflect those seen in post-pubertal cryptorchid tumors in location but differ in histologic type. Possible pathogenesis is discussed. Follow-up was not provided in all cases although outcome appears to be good. We believe that these lesions are likely underreported.