testicular choriocarcinoma

Testicular choriocarcinoma is a type of non-seminomatous germ cell tumor.

Epidemiology

Incidence peaks at around 20-30 years of age.

Clinical presentation

Can be variable with some patients initially presenting with metastates.

Pathology

It is most commonly detected as a component of a mixed malignant germ cell tumor and observed in about 7-8% of testicular tumors. It is extremely rare in pure form, choriocarcinoma comprising only 0.2-0.6% of all testis tumors.

Markers

b-HCG levels tend to be elevated

Treatment and prognosis

It is considered an aggressive malignancy. Choriocarcinoma can often spread haematogenously. Treatment options include orchiectomy +/- combination chemotherapy.