Testicular tumors: presentation and role of diagnostic delay.
180 patients with testicular germ cell tumors were evaluated in a retrospective study concerning the features of presentation and diagnostic delay. Mean duration of symptoms was 170 days, being different for seminoma and nonseminoma, and showing a continuous decrease since 1969. Duration of symptoms was longest in stage I seminoma. In the nonseminoma group the longest interval was observed in stage III. It is concluded that only in nonseminoma a prolonged delay exerts adverse effects on prognosis. Short delay (cryosperm conservation) does not seem to cause any harm. A plea is made for periodic testicular self-examination.
Dieckmann
K P
KP
Freie Universität Berlin, Urologische Klinik und Poliklinik im Universitätsklinimum Steglitz.
Becker
T
T
Bauer
H W
HW
D000328:Adult; D004407:Dysgerminoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology