Recurrent Masses after Testicular Cancer: Growing Teratoma Syndrome. A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Growing teratoma syndrome is a rare syndrome that affects patients with nonseminomatous germ-cell tumors (NSGCTs). It is characterized by recurrent growing masses that appear during or after chemotherapy in the presence of normal levels of tumor markers. Histological examination is the only way to confirm the diagnosis.

We present the case of a 36-year-old man who developed recurrent masses after curative treatment for NSGCT of the testicle. His tumor markers were normal. The patient was cured after multiple surgical procedures.

Close follow-up after treatment for NSGCT is very important for early detection of this syndrome, which can occur even many years after tumor onset. Normal blood makers can be misleading, and surgery remains the only curative treatment.

Case reports in oncology. 2017 Oct 17*** epublish ***

Fanny Priod, Francis Lorge, Marcelo Di Gregorio, Michaël V Dupont, Marie-Cécile Nollevaux, Laurence Faugeras, Georges Lawson, Philippe Eucher, Lionel D'Hondt

Department of Oncology, CHU UcL Namur, Yvoir, Belgium., Department of Urology, CHU UcL Namur, Yvoir, Belgium., Department of Radiology, CHU UcL Namur, Yvoir, Belgium., Department of Anatomopathology, CHU UcL Namur, Yvoir, Belgium., Department of Ear Nose and Throat, CHU UcL Namur, Yvoir, Belgium., Department of Thoracic Surgery, CHU UcL Namur, Yvoir, Belgium.