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Introduction
Germ cell tumors account for 98% of all testicular malignancies. Testicular cancer represents the most common malignancy in males aged between 15 and 34 (1). Cryptorchidism remains the best established risk factor for testicular germ cell tumors. It is estimated that a cryptorchid testicle is 30–50 times more likely to develop a malignant neoplasm compared with a normally placed organ. The incidence is higher even following orchiopexy, if done after 6 years of age. Notably, molecular studies have shown strong evidence of an association between genetic alterations and testicular germ cell tumors (2)
It is fortunate that testicular germ cell tumors represent a highly curable malignant tumor entity, even in the presence of metastasis. The overall survival rate is ~90%, considering all stages are reported (3). In the following case report, a 24-year-old man is presented in severe condition with a giant 12×10 cm left stage III cryptorchid seminoma metastasizing to the neck and liver. Chemotherapy yielded complete remission of the primary lesion.
Case report
In Sepember 2014, a 24-year-old previously healthy man accompanied by his parents, was admitted to Department of Otolaryngology, The First Hospital of Jilin University (Jilin, China), complaining for a left neck mass that had grown rapidly during recent months. The patient also complained of a huge mass located in the left groin. However, it had failed to draw his attention due to non-tenderness and its hidden nature. He had no hematuria, no fever, chill or rigors, with the exception of weight loss during the past year.
Upon examination, the patient was emaciated,...