[Leydig cell tumor of the testis].

It represents a rare and mostly unilateral pathology with benign istological patterns. However, since the biological behaviour of the tumor is not foreseable from the istological characteristics, the follow-up must be prolonged. The treatment of this cancer is orchidofuniculectomy, sometimes associated, in selected cases, with retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. In presence of tumor of small dimensions, above all if bilateral ones, it may be indicated a conservative treatment. Authors report six cases of Leydig cell tumors of the testis observed in sixteen years. All patients had orchidofuniculectomy by inguinal approach. In only one case has been associated retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy for the suspect of lymphatic metastasis. Follow-up of 3 months to 15 years is available for all patients: no one has died for the tumor and all are without signs of disease.