Role of Imaging in Testicular Cancer

Testicular malignancy is the most common nonhematologic malignancy in young men. Around 95% of them are germ cell tumors (GCTs), and with correct assessment of the disease and application of chemotherapy and radiotherapy survival rates of more than 90% can be achieved. Imaging studies not only aid in the diagnosis of testicular cancer but also help determine the tumor extent and site of metastatic disease, in monitoring treatment response, surgical planning and detecting sites of relapse and residual disease. Scrotal sonography combined with clinical examination has a high sensitivity for diagnosing testicular cancer and thus is often the first imaging modality to be performed on patients presenting with testicular mass. Abdominal and pelvic CT and chest CT remain the preferred techniques for staging, monitoring of treatment response, and detecting relapse and residual disease in patients with testicular cancer but MRI, PET with 18F-FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) and sonography also show promises in certain situations. This article reviews the literatures on the role of imaging in the management of testicular germ cell cancer.

http://ift.tt/2n3RMKL