The changing presentation of germ cell tumours of the testis between 1983 and 2002

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively investigate the presentation of germ cell tumours (GCTs) of the testis in terms of stage or histology, as the incidence of this disease in increasing. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with GCT of the testis between 1983 and 2002 were categorised into three periods depending on the date of diagnosis of the GCT, and the presentational characteristics assessed. RESULTS There was a significant increase in the proportion of patients presenting with stage I disease (59% to 78%) and seminoma (43% to 58%) over this period. There was also a significant reduction in the size of the primary tumour (5 to 4 cm). CONCLUSION: A greater proportion of patients with GCT are presenting with stage I seminoma, the reasons for which are unclear, although earlier diagnosis through improved awareness of GCT may be important.