Absolute and relative (ratio absolute tumor volume to gland volume) tumor volumes were visually estimated in 528 prostatectomy specimens. Surveying a mean post-surgical follow-up of 49 months, both parameters were analyzed regarding their aptitude for prognostication. We found relative tumor volumes exceeding 25% to independently predict biochemical recurrence reflected by postsurgical prostate-specific antigen progression, which was also determined to be increased to 28% when absolute tumor volumes exceeded 10 cm 3 . However, this cutoff failed to be an independent prognosticator. Because the visual estimation of both parameters can easily be performed, they are felt to be formidable candidates for deriving prognostic information during routine procedures.

The case presented here highlights some clinically important aspects: a) even double biopsies of the testis may fail to detect TIN. b) Systemic cisplatin-based chemotherapy may fail to prevent contralateral testicular germ cell cancer. c) A metachronous contralateral testis cancer may-in contrast to common clinical perception-develop even soon after the diagnosis of the first testis tumor. Furthermore, the case could foster the hypothesis that testicular germ cell tumors may in some cases develop without a preceding stage of TIN.

The case of testicular dermoid cyst in a 10-year-old boy who presented for evaluation of a presumed testicular neoplasm is reported. The dermoid cyst was confirmed histologically on frozen section and local excision was performed. Only 5 cases of testicular dermoid cysts in children have been reported so far. We discuss the etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.

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It is difficult to measure karst volume but important to do so to assess risk of sinkhole formation. Measurements of airflow and atmospheric pressure pattern on a water well in buried karst of the overexploited Tournai hydrogeological basin (Belgium) show that inflow and outflow are highly correlated to atmospheric pressure and the differences of external and internal air densities. The volume of natural voids in connection with the well within the vadose zone can best be estimated by a calculation based on outflow under constant atmospheric pressure, which suggests a possible cavity volume of 700 000 m3 indicating likelihood of sinkhole formation.