title: [What is new in the diagnosis of tumors of the testis?].
abstract: The major new developments in the diagnosis of testicular tumours over the last 11 years consist of imaging techniques and tumour markers. Doubtful clinical diagnoses of testicular tumours can now be clarified as a result of progress and diffusion of ultrasonography. Ultrasonography, a reliable (90%) and non-invasive examination, is more of a diagnostic aid than a decisive element, except in a few special cases. At the present time, magnetic resonance imaging is of no value in the diagnosis of testicular tumours. Alpha-foetoprotein and human chorionic gonadotrophin are the two essential markers for the follow-up, rather than for the diagnosis, of a testicular tumour. Lactate dehydrogenase and placental alkaline phosphatase are useful, especially in the seminomas, but are much less specific. The other markers studied have either not proven to be of any clinical value or are still in the field of research. Computed tomography appears to be gradually replacing lymphography for lymph node staging. The combination of the two examinations reduces the number of false negatives (10%) at the price of a higher number of false positives (38%). The diagnosis of testicular cancer can sometimes be made at the stage of carcinoma in situ, a precancerous lesion which progresses towards an invasive tumour in one half of cases. The practical indications for screening for carcinoma in situ are still controversial.
authors.affiliation: C.H.R.U. de Tours, Hôpital Bretonneau.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Haillot
mesh_terms: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000097:blood; D002278:Carcinoma in Situ / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008482:Mediastinum; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor
vernacular_title: Quoi de neuf dans le diagnostic des tumeurs du testicule?