Seminoma and spermatocytic tumour
- Lesion
The commonest testicular germ cell tumour: sheets of large clear cells divided by bands with lymphocytes; very sensitive to treatment.
What it is
Seminoma makes up about half of testicular germ cell tumours and peaks in the fourth decade. It resembles primordial germ cells, grows as a homogeneous grey-white mass and spreads mainly to retroperitoneal nodes. Some tumours contain syncytiotrophoblast cells that raise hCG modestly. Seminoma is very sensitive to radiation and chemotherapy. The spermatocytic tumour is a different, rare tumour of older men that does not arise from GCNIS and seldom metastasizes.
Structure
- Sheets of fried-egg-like cells with distinct borders and glycogen-rich clear cytoplasm.
- Fibrous septa carry T lymphocytes; granulomatous reaction may obscure the tumour.
- Anaplastic or high-mitotic variants behave like classic seminoma.
Seminoma vs spermatocytic tumour
| Tumour | Age | Origin | Histology | Behaviour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic seminoma | Fourth decade | Germ cell neoplasia in situ | Uniform clear cells, lymphocytes, granulomas; OCT3/4 positive | Spreads to retroperitoneal nodes; very treatable |
| Spermatocytic tumour | Older men | Not from GCNIS | Small, medium and large cells; no lymphocytes; OCT3/4 negative | Rarely metastasizes |
Clinical notes
- Stage for stage, seminoma has an excellent prognosis.
- A rise in AFP during follow-up points to a nonseminomatous component.
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
What inflammatory cells are characteristic in seminoma?
Lymphocytes in the fibrous septa, sometimes with granulomas.
Can a pure seminoma raise AFP?
No. AFP elevation indicates a nonseminomatous component, usually yolk sac tumour.
How does the spermatocytic tumour differ from seminoma?
It occurs in older men, does not arise from GCNIS, has three cell sizes, lacks lymphocytes and rarely spreads.
Elsewhere in DurgiPedia
- Granulomatous inflammation: caseating vs non-caseating, the causes to know
- Immunohistochemistry: the principle and the markers to know
Connections
Educational content on the mechanisms of disease; not a diagnostic or treatment guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: Testicular Cancer (StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf), 2024); Testicular Cancer Treatment (National Cancer Institute, 2025).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.