Management of small testicular masses: a delphi consensus study

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The majority of small testicular masses (STMs) are benign and therefore radical orchidectomy (RO) may represent overtreatment. In appropriately selected patients, surveillance or testis-sparing surgery (TSS) is an alternative option to preserve testicular function. Since there are no clear guidelines, we aimed to develop consensus recommendations on the management of STMs. METHODS: A four-round Delphi study was conducted by 24 experts representing multiple subspecialties to reach consensus. Consensus was defined as =75% of the participants scoring within the same 3-point grouping (1-3, disagree; 4-6, uncertain; 7-9, agree.). The first two rounds were survey based, the third round was an online meeting to discuss uncertainties from the first two rounds, and the fourth round was a review of the final consensus statements from rounds 1-3. KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS: The initial survey consisted of 126 statements. Following the four rounds of assessment, a list of 96 statements were produced, which focused on clinical and biochemical assessment, colour Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) characteristics, and management options including surveillance, RO, and TSS. Management should be personalised according to risk factors for testicular cancer, fertility status, uni- or bilateral tumours, status of the contralateral testis, and CDUS characteristics, with solid lesions displaying vascularity and hypoechogenicity being more suspicious for malignancy. The consensus statements are prone to a bias, and some may not reflect robust, randomised evidence. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The expert panel has produced consensus recommendations on the management of STMs, and TSS should be considered in patients with an STM. The recommendations could aid in the dissemination of best practice. PATIENT SUMMARY: There are no clear guidelines on the management of small testicular masses. Excising the whole testicle (radical orchidectomy) with a small or an indeterminate mass may affect fertility and hormonal function. A panel of experts was formed, and consensus recommendations were developed on how to deal with small and indeterminate testicular masses, which include surveillance or testis-sparing surgery.