Do we need 18F-FDG PET/CT scan in staging and management of testicular tumors?

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the role of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan in preoperative staging of testicular tumors and therefore determining the line of appropriate management.Patients and methodsDuring two year duration we prospectively evaluated 34 patients with testicular tumors diagnosed by histopathology after biopsy or orchidectomy. All patients underwent PET/CT examinations following a preset protocol that included low dose non contrast study, whole body scanning post 18F-FDG injection and post IV contrast CT scan. The images obtained were reconstructed using dedicated software and workstations. Results of PET/CT examinations were compared with histopathology and serum markers.ResultsOut of 34 cases all masses were malignant (germ cell tumors). 20 masses (58.8%) were diagnosed by histopathology as seminoma subtype while 14 masses (41.2%) were diagnosed as non seminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT) subtype.There were 16 true positives, 14 true negatives, 2 false positive, and 2 false negative cases. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values were 88.9%, 87.5%, 88.9% and 87.5% respectively.ConclusionPositron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has a major role in preoperative staging of testicular tumors and defines the need of post operative adjuvant therapy.