Bilateral testicular germ cell tumors. Report of nine cases and review of the literature

In a series of 181 patients with testicular germ cell tumors, the phenomenon of bilateral involvement of the testicles was observed nine times (5%). Two patients evidenced a simultaneous bilateral tumor, and, in seven others, a second tumor occurred after an interval ranging between 8 months and 6 years and 11 months. The incidence, histologic findings, therapy, and prognosis of bilateral testicular tumors are discussed on the basis of a survey of the literature. Emphasis is placed on the significance of a long-term follow-up period as well as on the important role of sonography in the early detection of a contralateral tumor.