The natural history of Leydig cell testicular tumours: an analysis of the National Cancer Registry

Leydig cell tumour (LCT) of the testis is a rare histological subtype of stromal tumours, accounting for 1 to 3% of testicular neoplasms. The natural history of LCT is poorly understood.

The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and natural history of Leydig cell tumours (LCT) of the testes.

A search of the National Cancer Registry of Ireland database was performed regarding Leydig cell testicular tumours. Recurrence free survival (RFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) were analysed.

Between 1994 and 2013, 2755 new cases of testicular cancer were diagnosed in Ireland. Of these, 22 (0.79%) were Leydig cell tumours. Nineteen were invasive (stage T1) and three were in situ (stage Tis). One patient developed a local recurrence following an organ preserving procedure and underwent a completion orchidectomy 107 days after initial diagnosis. No further treatment was required. There have been no disease-specific deaths. The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 95.5, 88.2 and 73.3%, respectively. The 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) was 100% and the 5-year recurrence free survival (RFS) was 93.3%.

From the National Cancer Registry, LCT has been shown to be a rare subtype of testicular tumour. Due to the relatively favourable natural history, it may be possible to tailor less aggressive surveillance regimens in these patients.

Irish journal of medical science. 2017 Jul 19 [Epub ahead of print]

G J Nason, E J Redmond, S W Considine, S I Omer, D Power, P Sweeney

Department of Urology, Mercy University Hospital, Cork, Ireland. ., Department of Urology, Mercy University Hospital, Cork, Ireland., Department of Medical Oncology, Mercy University Hospital, Cork, Ireland.