Introduction

Overall, testicular cancer is fairly rare in children. Testicular tumors, which account for only 1-2% of all pediatric solid tumors [1], are divided by age into prepubertal, most of whom are less than five years of age, and postpubertal (typically 13 years or older). Few testicular tumors occur between 5 and 13 years of age and are difficult to consider as a defined group. A scrotal ultrasound can usually differentiate whether masses are cystic or solid. This information is critical, as cystic masses are more likely to be benign and, thus better suited for testis-sparing approaches [2]. Although the clinical presentation is often the same, vast differences exist between histologies, likelihood of malignancy, and incidence of metastases in the two age categories. Therefore, a thorough pre-operative workup is needed to help guide the individual treatment plan for each patient.

see also Orchiectomy for Tumor