Non-germ cell tumours of the testis

Abstract Non-germ cell tumours of the testis are uncommon. For therapeutic and prognostic purposes, it is of crucial importance to recognize sex cord-stromal tumours of testis and to distinguish them from the considerably more frequent germ cell tumours and from metastases. It is also important to be aware that a number of hyperplastic and pseudoneoplastic lesions may mimic sex cord-stromal tumours. Whilst prediction of malignant behaviour in an individual case of Leydig cell or Sertoli cell tumour is difficult, a number of studies have addressed this issue and have provided useful pointers. There follows a review of the current literature on haemolymphoid neoplasms involving testis, including lymphoma, leukaemia/granulocytic sarcoma and plasmacytoma. The spectrum of vascular neoplasms in the testis is described, followed by consideration of a variety of miscellaneous entities, including testicular carcinoid tumours and sarcomas. Metastatic tumours to testis, although rare, can simulate primary testicular neoplasms and some relevant features are highlighted.