Giant testicular germ‐cell tumours—An analysis of relative incidence and clinical features based on a clinical case series and a survey of the literature

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Authors: Markus Angerer, Alexander C. Harms, Christian Wülfing, Klaus‐Peter Dieckmann
Cited by: 1
References: 65

Abstract

Objectives: This work aimed to document four new cases with giant testicular germ cell tumour (GCT) and to evaluate their relative incidence and clinical characteristics based on a literature survey. Despite the well-established trend over time towards declining tumour sizes in testicular GCTs, giant testicular tumours (>15 cm in diameter) are still reported in present times. Patients Methods: GCT patients treated during 2010-2025 were retrospectively evaluated with tabulating the following data: size of primary tumour (mm), age (years), histology, side and clinical stage (CS). The following parameters were calculated: relative frequency of giant GCTs; median tumour size in all GCTs and in various subgroups. A literature survey was conducted to identify previously published giant testicular GCTs followed by a descriptive evaluation of those cases. Results: = 319), respectively. Median tumour size was significantly smaller in CS1 cases than in those with CS > 1 (32 mm vs. 38 mm). Of the 40 cases identified with the literature survey, 24 were nonseminomas, 62% were left-sided, median age was 36 years, and 80% were cured. Diagnostic delay is the most frequent cause of excessive tumour growth. Conclusions: Giant testicular tumours are observed in 0.5% of all GCT patients while the median tumour size of 32 mm observed herein is consistent with current reports. In most cases of giant GCT, personal misapprehension of the swelling, lack of knowledge or shame appears to be the key element causing diagnostic delay and consequently, extraordinary tumour growth. Information campaigns including individuals from socioeconomically underprivileged groups could help to increase men's awareness of genital diseases.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Testicular diseases and treatments Sperm and Testicular Function Neuroblastoma Research and Treatments

Publication details

Journal / source
BJUI Compass
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
7
Issue
1
Pages
e70118–e70118
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN