Leydig cell testicular tumours. A series of 10 cases.

Objectives : To define the clinical and laboratory characteristics and natu ral history of Leydig cell tumours in order to define a general management plan. Material and Methods : The files of 10 patients operated for Leydig cell te sticular tumour between 1982 and 1996 were studied retrospectively. Results : In nine out of ten cases, the presenting complaint was gynaecomas tia, erectile disfunction or infertility. In every case, serum testosterone was normal or low and oestradiol was normal or elevated. Eight patients we re treated by radical orchidectomy, and two by subcapsular orchidectomy. Th e course was favourable in 9 out of 10 cases in the absence of any other tr eatment. Only one patient had an immediately malignant form with a fatal ou tcome. Conclusion : Although many teams prefer total orchidectomy because of the d iagnostic difficulty associated with malignant forms, simple subcapsular or chidectomy should became the first-line treatment, provided it is subsequen tly followed by close surveillance, as it preserves maximum fertility, and these tumours usually have a favourable prognosis.