Value of frozen section examination for the management of nonpalpable incidental testicular tumors

Objectives: To determine the value of frozen section examination for the management of small incidental testis tumors. Methods: We reviewed all cases of incidental nonpalpable testis tumors that have been examined in frozen section during the period 1996-2002. For each case, frozen section and definitive histological slides were available and were reviewed. Results: Fifteen cases were retrieved in the files of the Department of Pathology. Nine cases were discovered by ultrasonography examination in patients presenting with infertility. Six cases were discovered incidentally by sonography for testis trauma or scrotal pain. The patients were aged from 18 to 43 years. The tumors measured from 4 to 16 mm. Frozen section examination concluded in 9 cases to a benign lesion "Leydig cell nodule", in four cases a diagnosis of malignancy was retained and the last two cases were inconclusive. The standard microscopic examination confirmed the 9 cases of Leydig cell tumors; malignancy was confirmed in the 4 cases (3 seminomas and one teratoma) and the uncertain cases were benign Sertoli cells tumors. Benign lesions were treated by a conservative approach. Conclusion: Frozen section examination is a useful method for the management of small incidental masses of the testis. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.