Abstract
Background
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.
Aims
The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and natural history of Leydig cell tumours (LCT) of the testes.
Methods
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.
Results
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%.
Conclusion
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.
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Acknowledgments
We would like to thank Dr. Harry Comber and Dr. Sandra Deady at the National Cancer Registry of Ireland for assistance in data collection.
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This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
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Nason, G.J., Redmond, E.J., Considine, S.W. et al. The natural history of Leydig cell testicular tumours: an analysis of the National Cancer Registry. Ir J Med Sci 187, 323–326 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-017-1662-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-017-1662-4