A RETROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL CHART ANALYSIS OF PATIENTS UNDERGOING RADICAL ORCHIDECTOMY AT A REGIONAL LEVEL HOSPITAL.

Abstract

Background 

The global incidence of testicular cancer is on the rise, although it remains a rare cancer accounting for 0.5% of all malignancies. Among South African men there appears to be a higher-than-expected incidence in Indian men.

Objectives 

To determine the demographics of patients undergoing radical orchidectomy at St Aidan’s Regional Hospital  

Methods. 

A retrospective observational chart review of all radical orchiectomy patients seen at St Aidan’s hospital over 5 years from January 2015 to December 2019. The 2016 national census data was used to calculate the cancer incidence rates for this study period.

Results. 

A total of 40 radical orchidectomies were performed during the 5 years, there were 26 malignant cases and 13 benign cases. The all-population incidence rate was 1.52%. When broken down by racial groups, of the 40 cases, 52.5% were Indian men with an incidence rate for testicular cancer of 5.62%, followed by 35% African men with an incidence rate of 0.3%, 7.5% Caucasian men with an incidence rate of 2.81% and lastly 5% were colored men with an incidence rate of 5.62%. 

Conclusions. 

Testicular cancer in KwaZulu-Natal is more common in Indian men and the incidence rate among Indian men is much higher than that observed in India or as reported in other parts of the world. This provides a unique opportunity for further characterization of testicular risk factors and genetics involved in cancer development. African men with a testicular mass are likely to have a benign cause rather than testicular cancer. 

Recommendation.

We recommend broader studies, epidemiological, and germline mutations, and somatic mutations in testicular cancer affecting Indian males.