Two cases of spermatocytic seminoma were examined by electron microscopy. The more important ultrastructural features were: prominent nucleolus with dispersed nucleolonema; occasional nuclei with die chromosomal configuration of the leptotene stage of meiotic prophase; marked development of die Golgi apparatus, with formation of a dense secretory product; basal bodies and ciliary rootlets; “lamellar bodies”; specialized cell junctions of the zonula adherens type; true intercellular bridges, identical to those normally found between spermatocytes and between spermatids; syncytial formations; and basal laminae (basement membranes). Comparison of these findings with those of classical seminomas suggests an origin from the same cell type but also indicates that spermatocytic seminoma is a tumor distinct from the former by virtue of its greater differentiation, as evidenced by its capacity to produce spermatocytes and possibly spermatids.

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