Surgical Management of Testicular Cancer

AbstractPurpose of ReviewSurgery plays a critical role in the management of patients with testicular cancer. Nearly all patients will undergo a radical inguinal orchiectomy; however, the technique and utilization of additional surgical procedures such as retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) continues to evolve.Recent FindingsMicroRNAs (especially miR-371a-3p) are emerging as promising biomarkers for germ cell tumors in diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and recurrence prediction. Emerging data support the role of primary RPLND in the management of low volume metastatic seminoma with minimal long-term morbidity. Though minimally invasive RPLND has shown promising results in terms of length of stay and blood loss, some studies have raised concern for aberrant out-of-field recurrences with minimally invasive RPLND.SummaryThe initial management of testicular cancer is well established and generally consists of radical inguinal orchiectomy, and staging with imaging and serum tumor markers. RPLND remains an essential component in the management of patients with testicular cancer and should be performed with curative intent. Further studies are needed to investigate association between minimally invasive RPLND and aberrant recurrence patterns prior to its widespread implementation.
Source: Current Surgery Reports - Category: Surgery Source Type: research