Germ Cell Neoplasia In Situ (GCNIS). Evolution of the Current Nomenclature for Testicular Pre-invasive Germ Cell Malignancy

The pre-invasive lesion associated with post pubertal malignant germ cell tumours of the testis was first recognised in the early 1970s and proven by a number of observational and follow up studies. Until this year, this scientific story has been confused by resistance to the entity, and disagreement on its name. Initially termed 'carcinoma in situ' (CIS), it has also been known as 'Intra-tubular germ cell neoplasia, unclassified' (IGCNU) and 'testicular intra-epithelial neoplasia' (TIN). We wish here, to review the history of discovery and controversy on these names, and introduce the reasoning for uniting behind a new name, endorsed unanimously at the WHO consensus classification 2016: Germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.