Pseudoneoplastic lesions of the testis and paratesticular structures

A rare case of epididymal leiomyoma presenting as a chronic hemiscrotal swelling: Multimodal imaging and histopathological correlation

Epididymal leiomyoma is an exceptionally rare benign neoplasm originating from the smooth muscle of the epididymis. Due to its rarity and nonspecific clinical presentation, it poses significant diagnostic challenges. This case report describes a 50-year-old male who presented with a painless, progressively enlarging swelling in the right hemiscrotum over 3 years. Physical examination revealed a firm, nontender, well-demarcated swelling separate from the right testis. The initial ultrasound demonstrated a heterogeneous hyperechoic lesion with minimal vascularity on Doppler imaging, and a mild hydrocele was also noted. Further evaluation using contrast-enhanced CT revealed a heterogeneously enhancing paratesticular mass arising from the epididymis, with the right testis unaffected. The patient underwent a right-sided high inguinal orchidectomy for definitive management. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of leiomyoma, revealing interlacing fascicles of spindle cells characteristic of smooth muscle origin without evidence of malignancy. The postoperative period was uneventful, and the patient was discharged with instructions for regular follow-up. This case underscores the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach combining advanced imaging techniques and histopathological evaluation to accurately diagnose rare epididymal tumors. Surgical excision not only provides a therapeutic resolution but also facilitates definitive diagnosis. Awareness of such rare entities is critical for clinicians to differentiate them from other paratesticular masses, particularly malignant ones. This report adds to the limited literature on epididymal leiomyoma and highlights the need for multidisciplinary collaboration in managing such rare cases.

Unilateral vascular hamartomas of the vaginal tunic in a dog

A 12-y-old, male Dachshund was presented for elective orchiectomy. The testes were of normal size. The left testis had numerous dark-red, blood clot-like foci within the vaginal tunic over the pampiniform plexus, epididymis, and testis. Histologically, the red foci were limited to the vaginal tunic and consisted of disorderly growing, variably sized, thin-walled blood vessels lined by a single layer of endothelial cells without mitoses and supported by a thin layer of pericytes. The blood vessels were distended by erythrocytes without thrombus formation. Endothelial cells had cytoplasmic immunolabeling for CD31; pericytes had strong cytoplasmic immunolabeling for α-smooth muscle actin. Our case of subclinical unilateral vascular hamartomas of the vaginal tunic in a dog has not been reported previously in domestic animals or humans, to our knowledge.

Appendageal tumors and tumor-like lesions of the testis and paratestis: a 32-year experience at a single institution

The testicular hilum and paratestis contain several embryologically diverse anatomic structures, including the spermatic cord, tunica vaginalis, epididymis, rete testis, and several other embryonic remnants. Several benign and malignant lesions arise from these morphologically distinct structures, and owing to their proximity, it is challenging to classify and subsequently stage these tumors. Herein, we conducted a retrospective review of the paratesticular appendageal and rete testis tumors and tumor-like lesions diagnosed at our department from 1985 to 2016. Soft-tissue lesions/tumors were excluded. A total of 146 paratesticular appendageal and rete testis tumors and tumor-like lesions were identified. Most were benign (n = 107; 73%). Adenomatoid tumor (26%) was the most common benign tumor, followed by different types of cysts (19%), mesothelial hyperplasia (18%), serous cystadenoma (5.5%), and rete testis adenoma (4%). Malignant lesions comprised 23% of the cases, with mesothelioma the most common (15%), followed by adenocarcinoma of the rete testis (4%), serous cystadenocarcinoma (2%), and papillary and clear cell adenocarcinoma of the epididymis (2%). Finally, serous borderline tumors and melanotic neuroectodermal tumor (retinal anlage tumors) comprised the remaining 4% of cases. In conclusion, a wide range of benign and malignant lesions can arise from the paratesticular region. Awareness of these lesions and their histologic spectrum is crucial to avoid diagnostic pitfalls and to allow pathologists to establish a correct diagnosis and subsequent treatment plan.

Infections and pathology of free-roaming backyard chickens on St. Kitts, West Indies

Free-roaming chickens on Caribbean islands are important sentinels for local avian diseases and those introduced by birds migrating through the Americas. We studied 81 apparently healthy unvaccinated free-roaming chickens from 9 parishes on St. Kitts, an eastern Caribbean island. Using commercial ELISAs, no chickens had antibodies against avian influenza virus, West Nile virus, or Salmonella Enteritidis, although seropositivity was high to infectious bursal disease virus (86%), infectious bronchitis virus (84%), Mycoplasma (37%), and avian avulavirus 1 (Newcastle disease virus, 31%). Examination of small and large intestinal contents revealed cestodes in 79% and nematodes in 75% of the chickens. Although ectoparasites and endoparasites were common (74% and 79%, respectively), only a few chickens had lesions at postmortem examination, mainly intestinal serosal nodules (12%) and feather loss (6%). Histologic examination of 18 organs from each bird revealed lesions in high percentages of organs, mainly the liver (86%), lung (75%), spleen (60%), small intestine (56%), skin (42%), and kidney (40%). Lesions included degenerative, reactive, inflammatory, and neoplastic, and were not correlated with the serologic status of the chickens except in one case of infectious bursal disease. Microscopically, Paratanaisia bragai was seen in the kidneys of 3 chickens and intestinal coccidiasis in 1 chicken. Pulmonary silicate aggregates were common, were present in intestinal serosal nodules, and were suggestive of environmental exposure.

Tunica Vaginalis Thickening, Hemorrhagic Infiltration and Inflammatory Changes in 8 Children with Primary Hydrocele; Reactive Mesothelial Hyperplasia? A Prospective Clinical Study

The aim of this study is to describe an entity of primary hydrocele accompanied with fibrosis, thickening and hemorrhagic infiltration of parietal layer of tunica vaginalis (PLTV). During a 4-year period (2011-2014), 94 boys (2.5-14 years old) underwent primary hydrocele repair. Hydrocele was right sided in 55 (58.5 %), left sided in 26 (28.7%) and bilateral in 12 patients (13.8%). Eighty three out of 94 patients (88.30%) had communicating hydrocele and the rest eleven patients (11.7%) had non-communicating. Our case group consists of 8 patients (8.51%) based on operative findings consistent with PLTV induration, thickening and hemorrhagic infiltration. Preoperative ultrasonography did not reveal any pathology of the intrascrotal structures besides hydrocele. There weren't hyperechoic reflections or septa within the fluid. Evaluation of thickness of the PLTV was not feasible. Presence of lymph or exudate was excluded after fluid biochemical analysis. Tunica vaginalis histological examination confirmed thickening, hemorrhagic infiltration and inflammation, while there was absence of mesothelial cells. Immunochemistry for desmin was positive, excluding malignant mesothelioma. One patient underwent high ligation of the patent processus vaginalis and PLTV sheath fenestration, but one year later, he faced a recurrence. An elective second surgery was conducted via scrotal incision and Jaboulay operation was performed. The latter methodology was our treatment choice in other 7 out of 8 patients. During a 2-year postoperative follow-up, no other patient had any recurrence. We conclude that in primary hydrocele with macroscopic features indicative of tunica vaginalis inflammation, reversion of the tunica should be a part of operative strategy instead of sheath fenestration, in order to minimize the recurrence.

Benign testicular neoplasm in a human immunodeficiency virus-positive patient masquerading as testicular cancer

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare, benign neoplasm comprising spindle myoepithelial cells in the background of inflammatory cells. It can involve multiple anatomic sites in the body but rarely involves the testis. We report a case of 52-year-old male patient with a history of human immunodeficiency virus who presented with a painless, testicular mass for 2 months. Despite being treated with prolonged antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, scrotal ultrasound demonstrated an increase in the size of the lesion. With a presumed diagnosis of testicular germ cell tumor, a right radical inguinal orchiectomy was performed. Microscopic and immunohistochemical features were consistent with testicular IMT, a benign neoplastic process.

The mutational frequency of BRAF and KRAS in low-grade serous testicular neoplasms-a case series

AIMS

Low-grade serous neoplasms of the testis are rare neoplasms that show striking morphological similarities with the better-understood ovarian neoplasms. This study is to see if there are similar molecular abnormalities in these two tumours. The cell of origin, relationship with serous ovarian tumour and the pathogenesis of these neoplasms are not fully established.

METHODS AND RESULTS

As low-grade serous ovarian neoplasms are known to harbour mutations in the MAPK pathway, we investigated the involvement of BRAF and KRAS mutations in low-grade testicular serous tumour by performing mutational analysis of seven cases. Mutational analysis was performed by melting curve analysis followed by bidirectional sequencing. Our findings showed BRAF and/or KRAS mutations in three of the seven cases, which is similar to the proportions reported in low-grade ovarian serous neoplasms. Of these three cases, one showed co-mutation of BRAF and KRAS.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study are in support of a role of aberrant signalling of the MAPK pathway in the pathogenesis of low-grade serous testicular neoplasms, and provide a genetic link between low-grade testicular and ovarian serous tumours.

Granulomatous epididymo-orchitis: diagnosis by fine needle aspiration

Tuberculosis is the leading cause of chronic granulomatous epididymo-orchitis in the Asian population. A retrospective analysis of 40 patients diagnosed with granulomatous or tubercular epididymo-orchitis on fine-needle aspiration (FNA) was carried out. May Grünwald giemsa, haematoxylin and eosin and Ziehl Neelsen stained smears were evaluated. Of 40 patients studied, aspiration smears showed epithelioid cell granulomas with caseation in 17, granulomas alone in 19 and caseation only in four. Acid fast bacilli were seen in 15. Cytologic diagnoses rendered were tubercular epididymo-orchitis in 15, granulomatous inflammation suggestive of tuberculosis in six and granulomatous inflammation in 19. FNA may readily diagnose tubercular epididymo-orchitis and may avoid unnecessary orchidectomy in a good number of patients.

Paratesticular Soft-Tissue Masses in Orchiectomy Specimens: A 17-Year Survey of Primary and Incidental Cases From One Institution

The paratestis (PT) is defined by the testicular tunics, epididymis, spermatic cord, rete testis, and embryonic remnants. It gives rise to a large diversity of pathologies, including those of soft tissue, which may prompt orchiectomy. We performed a 17-year search of our database for orchiectomies for a PT soft-tissue mass. In a total of 4741 orchiectomy specimens, 138 orchiectomies were performed for primary neoplastic or nonneoplastic masses of the PT soft tissue or had an incidental PT soft-tissue mass. Of these, 65.9% were neoplastic. The mean age was 40.2 years (range: <1 to 87 years) and was similar for neoplastic and nonneoplastic lesions. The most common malignancies were rhabdomyosarcoma (31/63 malignancies), liposarcoma (19/63), and leiomyosarcoma (5/63), with the former occurring in younger patients (average: 18.3 years). No malignancies were incidental. The most common benign neoplasm was spermatic cord lipoma (24/28 of benign neoplasms); however, most were incidental. This was followed by leiomyoma (3/28) and hemangioma (1/28). The most common nonneoplastic lesions were adrenal rests (22/47 nonneoplastic cases); however, all were incidental findings. Of 47 nonneoplastic masses, 22 prompted orchiectomy, and of these, the most common diagnosis was fibrous/nodular periorchitis (11/47). Of 88 nonincidental lesions, 25 were either benign neoplasms (3/25) or nonneoplastic (22/25). These data indicate that PT soft-tissue neoplasms prompting orchiectomy are disproportionately rhabdomyosarcomas, though these are principally in young patients. In older patients, malignancies are more frequently liposarcomas. However, almost one-third of orchiectomies performed for PT soft-tissue masses yield benign lesions, indicating an opportunity to reduce unnecessary procedures.

An atypical case of meconium periorchitis as paratesticular mass in a neonate

A 20‐day‐old boy was presented with left scrotal swelling, clinically diagnosed as hydrocele. Ultrasonographic findings suggested hydrocele with paratesticular mass. Intraoperatively we found paratesticular mass, separate from left testis. Specimen revealed fibroconnective tissue with mucoid degeneration and focal areas of calcification suggesting meconium periorchitis. It is important to consider meconium periorchitis as one of the etiologies, thereby avoiding unnecessary orchidectomies.

Histopathological Spectrum of Tumor and Tumor-like Lesions of the Paratestis in a Tertiary Care Hospital

OBJECTIVES

Tumors and tumor-like lesions (TLL) of the paratesticular region are rare. Very few studies depicting the spectrum of lesions of this location are available in the literature. Malignant neoplasms arising in the paratesticular region represent only 7.0% of malignant tumors presenting as a scrotal mass. TLL and benign tumors are of great interest, because of their topography they can simulate a neoplasm in the paratesticular structures. We sought to study the incidence, nature, pattern, clinical, immune, and histopathological characteristics of tumors and TLL of the paratestis.

METHODS

In this six-year study, records of the cases were reviewed and the histopathology slides were reassessed. Blocks were retrieved and stained immunohistochemically for relevant markers.

RESULTS

A total of 47 cases of tumor and TLL of the paratestis were diagnosed over a six-year period. The patients ranged from one to 76 years old and most presented with a scrotal mass. Of these, seven (14.9%) were benign. Lipoma was the most common benign tumor. One case each of adenomatoid tumor, scrotal hemangioma, solitary fibrous tumor, and papillary cyst adenoma were reported. The TLL (70.2%) comprised of 17 cases of epididymal cyst, seven cases of tuberculous epididymitis, four cases of filarial epididymitis, two cases each of non-specific granulomatous epididymitis and fibromatous periorchitis, and one case of mesothelial cyst. Seven malignant tumors (14.9%) were diagnosed all of which were sarcomas. All seven were primary to the paratesticular region. The most common malignant tumor was embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. One case each of malignant mesothelioma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, atypical lipomatous tumor/well-differentiated liposarcoma, and myxoid liposarcoma were identified.

CONCLUSION

Neoplasms of the paratesticular region affect patients of all ages, with potentially life-threatening sequelae. Awareness of the entire spectrum and meticulous histopathological examination and immunohistochemical studies are of prime importance in the diagnosis of the various lesions as these influence the mode of therapy and subsequent prognosis of the patient.

Paratesticular inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor in a pediatric patient

Although rare, paratesticular inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) represents the second most common paratesticular mass after adenomatoid tumor and comprises roughly 6% of such lesions. Only approximately four cases have been reported in patients younger than 18 years of age. We report an incidentally discovered paratesticular IMT in a 17-year-old male successfully treated with wide excision and testis sparing. To our knowledge, no recurrence has been reported after complete excision of paratesticular IMT; however, continued follow-up is recommended.

A unique case of diffuse histiocytic proliferations mimicking metastatic clear cell carcinoma in the hydrocele sac

Reactive histiocytic proliferations are extremely rare in paratesticular structures. Nodular histiocytic proliferations have been described in mesothelial-lined locations and only at few nonmesothelial sites. Diffuse histiocytic proliferations are described only in the pelvic peritoneum. We report the first case of diffuse histiocytic proliferation in the hydrocele sac of a 45-year-old man. Predominant histiocytes showed clear cytoplasm and signet ring-like change. Mucicarmin stain did not demonstrate mucin in the cytoplasm. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining showed nonspecific staining of these cells with carcinoembryonic antigen and negative staining with epithelial membrane antigen, pan-Cytokeratin, calretinin, cytokeratin 7, 20 and prostate-specific antigen. Strong diffuse cytoplasmic positivity for CD68 defined the mononuclear phagocyte nature of these cells. Diffuse histiocytic proliferations can occur in the hydrocele sac. Histochemical and IHC stainings are critical for accurate diagnosis and to avoid unnecessary surgery.

Paratesticular fibrous pseudotumor in young males presenting with histological features of IgG4-related disease: two case reports

Introduction

Paratesticular fibrous pseudotumors represent benign new growths confined to intrascrotal structures. Both pathogenesis and clinical management are little understood due to the rarity of the lesion, with less than 200 cases reported to date. Recently, paratesticular fibrous pseudotumors have been postulated to be immunoglobulin G4-related, pathogenetically. Here we report two cases of patients with paratesticular fibrous pseudotumor to highlight the clinical features of this rare disease and we report the immunohistochemical examinations to support the theory of paratesticular fibrous pseudotumor being an immunoglobulin G4-related disease.

Case presentations

A 28-year-old white man presented with a painless intrascrotal mass. After a clinical examination, a malignant growth was suspected. His ultrasound results revealed a well-demarcated hypoechoic lesion of 1.5cm in diameter at the spermatic cord. Our patient underwent local excision. His follow-up has been uneventful for 12 years. The second case was an 18-year-old white man who presented with a painless scrotal mass suspicious of testicular tumor. A magnetic resonance imaging scan revealed a 3cm mass at the spermatic cord with very low signal density on T2-weighted imaging and a low and inhomogeneous uptake of gadolinium contrast agent on T1-weighted, fat-suppressed imaging. Following local excision, our patient has been well for 18 months.

On histological examination, both of the lesions consisted of collagen-rich hyalinized fibrotic tissue with storiform features. There were lymphofollicular infiltrates and, sporadically, also venulitis. The immunoglobulin G4 staining (in case 2) showed an infiltrate of 10 to 15 positive cells per high-power field on average, corresponding to a proportion of 40% in evaluable hot spots. The two patients with paratesticular fibrous pseudotumor presented within a time span of 15 years. During that time, 400 patients with testicular germ cell tumors had been treated in our institution.

Conclusions

The specific histological features documented in our case lend support to the theory of paratesticular fibrous pseudotumor being an immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing disorder. Paratesticular fibrous pseudotumors usually occur in young adulthood. Clinically, paratesticular fibrous pseudotumor can mimic testicular malignancy. Ultrasonographic findings are largely unspecific, however, scrotal magnetic resonance imaging may aid in discriminating the lesion from malignant tumors. Local excision, whenever technically feasible, is the preferred treatment of paratesticular fibrous pseudotumor.

[Clinical versatility of the inflammatory pseudotumor in urology]

OBJECTIVE

The inflammatory pseudotumor is a rare lesion, having benign behavior and some histological heterogeneity that appears in the genitourinary tract. A series of urogenital inflammatory pseudotumors are reviewed with emphasis on their clinicopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective study the causistics treated between January 1981 in December 2010 was performed. It identified the cases of inflammatory pseudotumor with urogenital localization. The variables age, gender, symptoms, topography, treatment and anatomopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics of each case were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 8 cases of the urogenital-located inflammatory pseudotumor are described. Of these, 6 were located in the bladder, one in the kidney and one in the epididymis. Mean age of the patients was 46.75 (± 19.84) years. Tumor presentation symptoms were macroscopic hematuria, single symptom or accompanied by symptoms of the lower urinary tract and inguinoscrotal mass. In regards to treatment in the cases of bladder localization, transuretheral ± cystectomy were performed. In the case of kidney localization, treatment was made by means of pyelotomy and exeresis, and in the case of epididymis localization, simple exeresis was performed. The anatomopathological study showed inflammatory pseudotumor in every cases, having a mesenchymal and myxoid appearance, with fusiform cells of eosinophil cytoplasm, with presence of frequent inflammatory cells. The most common immunohistochemical pattern shows positivity for the muscle-specific actin (HHF-35), vimentin and negativity for protein S-100. ALK-1 was positive and 87.5% of the cases.

CONCLUSION

The inflammatory pseudotumor is a condition having good prognosis which, when there is a good histopathological and immunohistochemical diagnosis, every urologist should recognize and distinguish in order to carry out as conservative a surgical treatment as possible.

Cystic lesions and scrotal fluid collections in adults: Ultrasound findings

The widespread use of scrotal ultrasonography (US) has led to increased detection of testicular and extratesticular pathologies. Cystic or encapsulated fluid collections are relatively common benign lesions that usually present as palpable testicular lumps. Most cysts arise in the epidydimis, but all anatomical structures of the scrotum can be the site of their origin. US may suggest a specific diagnosis for a wide variety of intrascrotal cystic and fluid lesions and appropriately guide therapeutic options. US should be used as an adjunctive diagnostic modality after clinical evaluation of a scrotal lesion associated or not with the presence of a lump.

Mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis of "uncertain malignant potential" - an evolving concept: case report and review of the literature

Mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis is a rare neoplasm, typically demonstrating frankly malignant morphology and aggressive behavior. Rare cases of well-differentiated papillary mesotheliomas have also been reported, which, in contrast, demonstrate indolent behavior. There are, however, cases which do not fit into the well-differentiated or diffuse malignant mesothelioma categories and can be considered mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis of "uncertain malignant potential", which is an emerging diagnostic category. A 57-year-old man presented with a neoplasm in a hydrocele sac. The neoplasm was non-invasive, but showed focal complex and solid growth and it was difficult to categorize either as well-differentiated papillary mesotheliomas or malignant mesothelioma. After the initial limited resection, the patient underwent radical orchiectomy with hemiscrotectomy and is alive and without disease progression after 6 years. Documentation of these rare tumors will allow their distinction from true malignant mesotheliomas and will facilitate the development of specific treatment recommendations.

Mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis of "uncertain malignant potential" - an evolving concept: case report and review of the literature

Mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis is a rare neoplasm, typically demonstrating frankly malignant morphology and aggressive behavior. Rare cases of well-differentiated papillary mesotheliomas have also been reported, which, in contrast, demonstrate indolent behavior. There are, however, cases which do not fit into the well-differentiated or diffuse malignant mesothelioma categories and can be considered mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis of "uncertain malignant potential", which is an emerging diagnostic category. A 57-year-old man presented with a neoplasm in a hydrocele sac. The neoplasm was non-invasive, but showed focal complex and solid growth and it was difficult to categorize either as well-differentiated papillary mesotheliomas or malignant mesothelioma. After the initial limited resection, the patient underwent radical orchiectomy with hemiscrotectomy and is alive and without disease progression after 6 years. Documentation of these rare tumors will allow their distinction from true malignant mesotheliomas and will facilitate the development of specific treatment recommendations.

Unusual scrotal pathology: an overview

The diverse embryological origins of the contents of the scrotum create an environment that fosters a wide variety of unusual pathologies. Most scrotal pathologies are discovered by the patient and are initially evaluated by a thorough physical examination and scrotal ultrasonography. Scrotal lesions can be broadly grouped by the anatomical location in which they develop; the clinician must consider a wide differential diagnosis based on this location. Solid testicular masses are considered germ cell tumors until proven otherwise, but numerous other possible pathologies exist, including ectopic tissue, metastasis, and other neoplastic growths. Rete testis lesions are classified as developmental, benign or malignant. Cystic lesions of the epididymis are most commonly benign, but malignant neoplasms can also be present. The paratesticular region has the broadest differential diagnosis, as it contains numerous distinct structures and is a common location for ectopic tissue and metastatic disease; a narrower range of lesions develop in the scrotal wall because of its simpler anatomy. Treatment options range from conservative observation to wide surgical excision and should be considered carefully; the aim of therapy is to remove malignant or potentially malignant tissue while minimizing effects on fertility and function.

Segmental testicular infarction in a young man simulating a testicular tumor

A 19-year-old boy presented with a 48-hour history of acute onset severe right scrotal pain with minimal scrotal swelling. High-frequency US including color Doppler demonstrated a wedge-shaped, heterogeneous, avascular testicular mass diagnosed preoperatively as a segmental testicular infarction (STI). This was proved at surgery and subsequent histology. The preoperative diagnosis of STI was suggested based on the young man's presentation of severe pain and the sonographic appearance of the mass. Entertaining the preoperative diagnosis of STI from a testicular tumor is important for testis-sparing surgery even though STI in the pediatric age group is extremely rare.