Cystic testicular lesions in the pediatric population

PURPOSE: We present the etiology, histological evaluation and management of all cystic lesions of the pediatric testis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Illustrative cases from our experience are reported with a literature review of all possible diagnoses. RESULTS: Included in the differential diagnosis of cystic testis lesions in children are epidermoid cyst, dermoid cyst, prepubertal teratoma, juvenile granulosa cell tumor, cystic dysplasia of the rete testis, testicular cystic lymphangioma, simple cyst and cystic degeneration after torsion. Testis sparing surgery is feasible in many circumstances. CONCLUSIONS: Cystic lesions of the pediatric testis are rare but represent an interesting group of diagnoses. Patient age at presentation, examination features, tumor markers and sonographic appearance may assist in making a presumptive and occasionally definitive diagnosis preoperatively. Based on the likely diagnosis enucleation or partial orchiectomy may be considered when performed with frozen section histological assessment. A thorough understanding of potentially cystic testis lesions in children leads to the best management choices and often to preservation of a substantial portion of the affected testis.     

Simple cysts of the testis in children: preoperative diagnosis by ultrasound and excision with testicular preservation

We report on 2 children with simple cysts of the testis who were treated with excision and testicular preservation. To our knowledge both cases represent the first report of conservative surgery for these lesions in children. In 1 case the diagnosis of a simple intratesticular cyst was made by ultrasound. This patient was followed conservatively until enlargement resulted in excision of the cyst with preservation of the gonad. In the other case the diagnosis was made intraoperatively and simple excision of the lesion with testicular sparing was performed. High resolution real-time ultrasound should be performed routinely for all suspected testicular masses in children. Benign testicular tumors are more common than in adults and ultrasound may permit identification of lesions that can be excised locally with testicular preservation. Should the diagnosis of a simple, small intratesticular cyst be made by ultrasound regular followup may be appropriate. Should enlargement occur surgical excision can be done with the possibility of gonadal preservation.     

高频超声在睾丸内良性囊性病变中的应用

目的探讨高频超声对睾丸内良性囊性病变的应用价值。方法对1142例患者行睾丸超声检查,对检出的55例睾丸内良性囊性病变的超声图像及临床资料进行分析。结果55例患者中,白膜囊肿5例,睾丸囊肿25例,睾丸网扩张7例,睾丸血肿6例,睾丸脓肿2例,表皮样囊肿5例,良性畸胎瘤5例。术前1例睾丸良性畸胎瘤误诊为恶性。超声诊断本类病变的敏感度为100%,诊断符合率为98.18%。白膜囊肿及睾丸囊肿具有单纯囊肿的一般特征,睾丸网扩张显示为睾丸纵隔部位的条状蜂窝样扩张,睾丸血肿及睾丸脓肿回声混杂,典型的表皮样囊肿具有＂洋葱环＂征,良性畸胎瘤回声混杂。结论高频超声可以对睾丸内良性囊性病变进行正确识别,可视为首选检查方法。     

阴囊内良性囊肿性病变的超声诊断

目的:总结阴囊内良性囊肿性病变的声像图特征。方法:回顾分析96例阴囊内良性囊肿性病变的超声表现。结果:96例阴囊内良性囊肿性病变,18例位于睾丸,其中睾丸内囊肿9例,睾丸网管状扩张5例,表皮样囊肿2例,皮样囊肿2例;78例位于附睾中,精液囊肿75例,附睾精液淤积症3例。探头频率升高,可以更清晰地观察阴囊内囊肿的图像信息,可以对阴囊内良性囊肿性病变和睾丸恶性肿瘤内囊性变、睾丸鞘膜积液进行鉴别诊断。同时使睾丸网管状扩张、附睾精液淤积症诊断成为可能。结论:超声检查是评价阴囊内良性囊肿性病变的首选和具有重要价值的影像学方法。     

Epidermoid cyst of the testis: a case of testis preservation]

A 19-year-old man complained of an asymptomatic right testicular mass. Physical examination revealed a firm, small-finger sized, mass lesion with a smooth surface in the right testis. The ultrasonographic appearance was hypoechoic and well-demarcated intratesticular lesion. All laboratory investigations, including tumor markers, were normal. The testis was explored through an inguinal incision. The mass was excised locally and the biopsy of the adjacent testicular tissue was done with gentle code clamping. The histological diagnosis was epidermoid cyst of the testis and the testicular tissue obtained was normal. About 90 cases of testicular epidermoid cyst have been reported in the Japanese literature, and are reviewed briefly here.     

Benigne zystische Raumforderungen des Hodens

Testicular cysts are increasingly diagnosed in the course of scrotal ultrasound examination. Among other things this is due to the general availability of modern high-resolution ultrasound devices. Benign and malignant diseases with testicular cyst formation need to be differentiated by differential diagnosis and by their aetiology. Benign diseases with cystic space-occupying lesions of the testicle are tubular ectasia of the rete testis, cystic dysplasia, epidermoid cysts, simple intraparenchymatous testicular cysts and cysts of the tunica albuginea. Testicular dermoid cyst was long misleadingly regarded as potentially malignant, but is now classified as benign. On diagnosis of a benign lesion of the testis an organ-conserving surgical therapy or an observational watch-and-wait strategy can be recommended in most cases.     

Intratesticular epidermoid cyst: A rare benign tumor

Epidermoid cysts rarely arise within the testis. The incidental discovery of a distinct, intratesticular epidermoid cyst in a nineteen-year-old man is reported. Management by radical orchiectomy is stressed because grossly the tumor is indistinguishable from a malignant testicular tumor.     

Epidermoid cysts of the testicle

We report 4 cases of intratesticular cystic lesions. Three patients had epidermoid cysts and 1 had cystic mature teratoma initially diagnosed as an epidermoid cyst. In all cases an inguinal approach to testicular exploration was used.     

Scrotal ultrasound: pearls, patterns and pitfalls

We present a review of the scrotal ultrasound findings showing normal anatomic variants that may simulate scrotal pathology (rete testis dilatation, normal testicle and epididymis appendages). US patterns of the scrotal pathology may be classified as: calcified (scrotal and albuginea calcifications, microcalcifications, epididymis calcifications, testicular tumors with calcium), cystic appereance (intratesticular and echogenic varicocele, epididymis cysts, albuginea cysts, haematoma, abscess), solid nodular testicular lesions (infarct, neoplasm) and diffuse lesions (orchitis, lymphoid hyperplasia lymphoma, leukemia). Testicular ultrasound may be helpful in detecting extraescrotal pathologies. There is a known relationship between right varicocele and extratesticular neoplasms. We also show some cases of Burn-out testicular tumor and their MR, CT and PET findings. The knowledge of normal US scrotal anatomy, US patterns of the scrotal lesions and scrotal findings that suggest extratesticular pathologies are crucial in the management of testicular pathology and if unnecessary orchiectomies want to be avoided.     

Quiste epidermoide testicular

IntroductionTesticular tumors are usually managed by radical orchiectomy because of the high incidence of malignant lesions.Epidermoid cyst of the testis is a rare benign tumor, and its differential diagnosis from malignant testicular tumors is difficult.Materials and methodsThe clinical records of seven patients who attended our hospital with testicular epidermoid cysts were reviewed.Preoperative evaluation consisted of testicular ultrasonography in 6 patients, and magnetic resonance imaging in 4 patients. A peroperative biopsy was performed in four patients.ResultsUltrasonographic appearance was specific for diagnosis of epidermoid cyst in 80% of patients. Pathological diagnosis was made in all biopsies taken during surgery.Conservative management was (tumorectomy or partial orquidectomy) performed in 6 patients (85%).ConclusionsPreoperative imaging findings, gross characteristics of the lesion, and peroperative biopsy results provide adequate information to attempt testis-sparing surgery instead of radical orchiectomy.     

Cysts of the tunica albuginea. Report of 4 cases and review of the literature.

Four cases of benign testicular cysts arising from the tunica albuginea are reported. A review of the literature yielded only 4 more instances of such lesions. Clinically, these cysts may be manifested as a tumor or painful swelling, or are discovered incidentally. In 3 cases a diagnosis of testicular carcinoma was entertained and high inguinal orchiectomies were done. The possibility of a conservative surgical approach, as followed in 1 case, is discussed. These cysts appear in the anterior and lateral aspects of the testis, show ample connection to the albuginea and are lined by a cuboidal epithelium. Gland-like inclusion were found in the fibrous cystic walls and in the albuginea. The histogenesis of these lesions is discussed and evidence for a possible origin in mesothelial rests trapped during development is presented. The differential diagnosis of cystic lesion of the tests is reviewd briefly.     

A case of papillary cystadenoma of the epididymis mimicking a testicular tumor

A 68-year-old male presented with painless left scrotal enlargement of one year duration. Ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging showed a multilocular cystic mass, 10×7.5× 8.5 cm in size, in the left scrotum. The intracystic fluid was partially hemorrhagic. A solid part of the tumor, seen at the base of the scrotum, was partially calcified and was enhanced by contrast medium. The left testis could not be identified by imaging studies. Although CT imaging showed a simple cyst in the right kidney, no other lesions in the kidneys, adrenal glands, pancreas or the central nervous system were detected. Serum tumor marker values for testicular cancer were within the normal range. Under the pre-operative diagnosis of a left testicular tumor, left high orchiectomy was performed. Grossly the specimen consisted of a multilocular cystic tumor, 12.5×8.5×8.5 cm in size, with a 2.7 cm tan-colored solid component within the wall of the cyst. The left testis was atrophic, 1.3 cm in size, and demonstated no continuity with the solid part of the tumor. Histologically, the solid component of the tumor showed tubular and papillary growth of cuboidal and columnar tumor cells with clear cytoplasm. Histopathological diagnosis of papillary cystadenoma of the epididymis (PCE) was made. Von Hippel-Lidau disease was ruled out by subsequent genetic analysis. After follow up for 18 months, there was no sign of recurrence. To our knowledge, this is the 33rd and the largest case of PCE reported in Japan.     

Benign intrascrotal lesions

PURPOSE: We summarize important clinical, pathological and diagnostic features of benign intrascrotal lesions, including paratesticular lesions (adenomatoid tumors, fibrous pseudotumors, cystadenomas, spermatoceles, hydroceles, varicoceles and hernias) and intratesticular lesions (tunica albuginea cysts, testicular simple cysts, epidermoid cysts, cystic ectasia of the rete testis, intratesticular varicocele, adrenal rest tumors and splenogonadal fusion). This review provides the reader with a better understanding of benign lesions that occur in the scrotum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A directed MEDLINE literature review of benign scrotal lesions and of each individual lesion was performed. This information was enhanced with relevant information from select journals and texts. Particular emphasis was placed on clinical, pathological and diagnostic features. RESULTS: Intrascrotal lesions continue to provide a diagnostic challenge for physicians. A diagnosis can be made with a thorough history, physical examination and understanding of the pathophysiological processes of the structures contained within the scrotum. Lesions that are suspicious for malignancy should prompt urological consultation and radiological imaging. Ultrasound aids in the diagnosis in instances of uncertainty. Ultimately surgery may be necessary to make a histological diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical assessment, physical examination and an understanding of benign intrascrotal processes are key to making a diagnosis. Ultrasound has an important role and adds essential information. If surgery is necessary and a benign process is recognized, a testis sparing procedure should be performed.     

Branchial Cleft Cyst with Xanthogranulomatous Inflammation

Xanthogranulomatous inflammation (XGI) is a special type of inflammation presenting as mass lesions and mimicking malignant tumors. It is rarely described in the head and neck region, and to the best of our knowledge, there are no cases associated with branchial cleft cyst. A 39-year-old woman with an infiltrative cystic neck mass that radiologically mimicks a malignant tumor is herein presented. The histopathologic diagnosis was a branchial cleft cyst with XGI. XGI may be associated wih branchial cleft cysts. Patients may present with radiologic findings mimicking an invasive malignant tumor, and should be taken into account during the differential diagnosis with cystic squamous cell carcinoma.     

Hydatid cyst of testis: a case report

A case of a hydatid cyst of the testis is reported that was misdiagnosed clinically as malignant tumor. Echinococcosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of testicular masses, especially in endemic countries.     

Cystic dysplasia of the rete testis

Cystic dysplasia of the rete testis is a rare benign testicular tumor that is found mainly in the pediatric population and that must be distinguished from malignant lesions. Ultrasonography can aid in diagnosis and in evaluation for associated renal lesions. Treatment options include orchiectomy, testicular-sparing excision of the cystic mass, and nonoperative surveillance. To increase awareness of the disorder, we present the case of a 2-month-old male infant with cystic dysplasia of the rete testis.     

A 7-year history of an intratesticular mass: patient description and review of the literature about dermoid cysts of the testis

A dermoid cyst is a particular form of a cystic teratoma. In the testis, it is very rare, with only a few cases reported in world literature. A 19-year-old patient come to our attention with a 7-year history of an intratesticular cystic mass. Sonography showed a large hypoechoic solid mass. The tumour markers alpha-fetoprotein, beta-human chorionic gondatotrophin, and lactate dehydrogenase were negative. Chest X-ray was negative. He underwent surgical exploration of the right testis and enucleation of the mass with testis preservation. At 14 month of follow-up, the patient had no complications and no recurrence of the lesion. Surgical enucleation is the treatment of choice in consideration of hormonal, psychological, and reproductive aspects. Orchiectomy should have been the treatment of choice, if the mass had substituted all testicular parenchyma and if there had been some malignant transformations.     

Epidermoid cyst of the testis: a report of 2 cases

We report two cases of intratesticular epidermoid cyst, one of which had ossification in the cyst. Two cases were treated by orchiectomy with high ligation of the cord under the diagnosis of testicular malignant tumor. Ultrasonographic examination revealed a well-defined solid mass with echogenic rim. The internal echo of the cysts were relatively homogeneous and almost similar to the surrounding normal testicular parenchyma in the echo level.     

Cystic schwannoma of the orbit: case report

BACKGROUND: Cystic lesions of the orbit have diverse clinical findings and histopathological features. We report an orbital schwannoma composed of a single cyst. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 62-year-old woman with an intraconal cystic tumor in the left orbital cavity is described. The cystic tumor was totally removed and the pathological diagnosis of the cyst wall was schwannoma composed of both Antoni type A and B. CONCLUSIONS: A rare case of cystic schwannoma of the orbit is reported. This case may contribute to an improved preoperative differential diagnosis for cystic lesions of the orbit.     

Epidermoid cyst of the testis difficult to make a preoperative diagnosis on the echoic examination: a case report

A case of epidermoid cyst of the testis is presented. The patient was a 64-year-old man who complained of a painless mass in the left scrotum. Physical examination revealed a hen-egg sized enlargement of the left scrotal contents. The ultrasonographic appearance did not show a hyperechoic partition, which is called echogenic rim, a characteristic of this tumor on the echoic examination, and was homogeneous, almost similar to that of a normal testis. Because malignant testicular tumors could not be excluded preoperatively, excisional biopsy of the left testis was performed first. Histological diagnosis was an epidermoid cyst of the testis. As the left testis was almost completely occupied by the tumor and no normal testicular tissue was recognized, we performed orchiectomy additionally. Epidermoid cyst of the testis is a rare benign tumor that accounts for about 1 percent of all testicular tumors. It clinically resembles malignant testicular tumors, and orchiectomy is often performed for treatment. About 154 cases of testicular epidermoid cyst have been reported in the Japanese literature and are reviewed briefly here.