Should the other testis be biopsied?
Testicular tumors are bilateral in approximately 5% of the cases, although the incidence of bilaterality is affected by the treatment of the primary tumor. A biopsy of the contralateral testis of testicular tumor patients will show carcinoma in situ (CIS) in 5% to 6% of cases. Virtually all untreated cases of CIS will progress into invasive testicular germ cell tumors. In some countries, most testicular tumor patients have a contralateral biopsy at the time of the primary orchiectomy; but in many countries, urologists are not always aware of the advantages of simultaneous contralateral biopsy. The policy in the United States does not encourage surgeons to perform a contralateral biopsy at the initial orchidectomy or to offer a biopsy to patients after referral to a specialist center. The diagnosis of CIS is not of mere academic interest, but makes it possible to offer the patient optimal treatment.
Daugaard
G
G
Department of Oncology, Finsen Center, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Giwercman
A
A
Skakkebaek
N E
NE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D002278:Carcinoma in Situ / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D018237:Germinoma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D013737:Testis / Q000473:pathology*