Imaging of Burned-out Testis Tumor: Five New Cases and Review of the Literature

Burned-out tumors of the testis are extremely rare. From 5 new cases, the clinical and radiologic findings are discussed in light of a review of the literature. Over a 13-year period, 5 patients 17 to 50 years old were admitted with metastatic germ cell neoplasms. All were explored by thoracic and abdominal computed tomography and scrotal sonographic examination. The disease was revealed by the presence of lymphadenopathies in 4 of these patients: retroperitoneal in 3 and supraclavicular in the other. Scrotal sonography revealed abnormalities in all cases. Burned-out tumors may cause some confusion in the diagnosis, because secondary tumors can often be mistaken for primary tumors. Careful evaluation of the testis is crucial for identifying the primary lesion site; all abnormalities shown on clinical or sonographic scrotal examination call for orchidectomy.