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Anatomy of the Testis and Staging of its Cancers: Implications for Diagnosis

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Genitourinary Pathology

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Abstract

The embryological development of the testis is complex, with cells derived from a number of different cell populations. The descent of the testis from the retroperitoneum to the scrotum also gives rise to some unusual patterns of spread of cancer. Maldescent and non-descent of the testis are also linked with an increased incidence of germ cell tumors, which, has been hypothesized, are part of a testicular dysgenesis syndrome. An understanding of testicular histology is vital for both an appreciation of germ cell tumor pathogenesis and staging and for fertility assessments. Ectopic tissues in the testis are described and may be misdiagnosed as malignant conditions. The local staging of testicular germ cell tumors is less important than their typing, but certain pathological factors are now becoming required information to make informed decisions concerning adjuvant treatments. These are compared with the current staging criteria.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Molecular Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Bartshealth NHS Trust and Queen Mary University of London, London, UK

    Prof. Daniel M. Berney MB B Chir, MA, FRCPath

  2. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA

    Prof. Thomas M. Ulbright MD

Authors
  1. Prof. Daniel M. Berney MB B Chir, MA, FRCPath
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  2. Prof. Thomas M. Ulbright MD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Daniel M. Berney MB B Chir, MA, FRCPath .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

    Cristina Magi-Galluzzi

  2. Department of Pathology, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

    Christopher G. Przybycin

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Berney, D., Ulbright, T. (2015). Anatomy of the Testis and Staging of its Cancers: Implications for Diagnosis. In: Magi-Galluzzi, C., Przybycin, C. (eds) Genitourinary Pathology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2044-0_34

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2044-0_34

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4939-2043-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-2044-0

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