Adenocarcinoma of rete testis

We report a case of adenocarcinoma of rete testis in 64-year-old man. His first diagnosis was hydrocele of left testis, but aspiration cytology showed malignancy. The patient underwent left orchiectomy. The pathological diagnosis was adenocarcinoma of the rete testis. The cancer was suspected to be arising from the duct of rete testis on the histological examination, and no other malignancy was found elsewhere in his body. However, he died at 10 months after the operation for lung metastasis. Adenocarcinoma of rete testis is one of the rarest malignancies. Only 25 cases have been reported since the first case was described by Feek and Hunter in 1945. This is the twenty-sixth case in the literature.     

Primary adenocarcinoma of the rete testis

We report a case of adenocarcinoma of the rete testis in a 44-year-old man, presented intially with a hydrocele and later with signs of infection in the affected hemiscrotum. Multiple focal lesions within the testis appeared 6 months later in ultrasounds. After high inguinal orchiectomy, histology revealed a primary adenocarcinoma of the rete testis. Adenocarcinoma of the rete testis is a rare a highly malignant tumour originating in the mediastinum of the testis. Slightly over 40 cases have been reported in the literature. The treatment of choice is radical orchiectomy. Prognosis is poor; as mainly as 40% of patients die within the first year of diagnosis.     

Adenocarcinoma of rete testis

Adenocarcinoma of the rete testis is a very rare malignant neoplasm originating in the epithelium of the rete testis. Histologically, it appears as a papillary adenocarcinoma. The first case was reported in the literature in 1853 and since that time only 16 additional cases have been reported. This report represents the eighteenth case.     

Papillary adenocarcinoma of rete testis. Autopsy findings, histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, ultrastructure, and clinical correlations

Adenocarcinoma of the rete testis is a rare neoplasm that usually occurs in men after the age of 60 and carries a variable prognosis. We report an occurrence of this tumor in a 91-year-old man who had been treated for 2 years for an hydrocele. At the time of diagnosis, metastases were not evident; and the patient was treated with local radiotherapy. The diagnosis of papillary adenocarcinoma of the rete testis was made on the basis of: (a) a transition from normal rete testis to atypical and neoplastic rete epithelium; (b) exclusion of primary germinal and nongerminal testicular tumors and spread from distant sources; and (c) electron-microscopic findings, histochemical and immunological studies, and autopsy findings supporting the diagnosis. This is the first reported case of adenocarcinoma of the rete testis that includes documentation of the tumor's metastatic pattern.     

Adenocarcinoma of the rete testis

Summary Adenocarcinoma of the rete testis is a rare tumor. Histologic diagnosis is difficult, and in the past the tumor may have been incorrectly identified in a number of cases, leading to misleading information on the nature and behavior of this neoplasm. We present the case of a 39-year-old man with a long history of a small left hydrocele, who was lost to follow-up and presented again 2 years later with testicular discomfort. Sonographic findings were consistent with a testicular tumor. Histology confirmed low-grade adenocarcinoma of the rete testis, the first reported tumor of this grade. Previously reported cases of rete testis carcinoma are reviewed.     

睾丸网腺癌(1例报告并文献复习)

目的了解睾丸网腺癌的发病和临床特点，提高其早期诊断和治疗水平。方法分析1例睾丸网腺癌患者的临床资料，并结合文献对睾丸网腺癌的临床病理特点、早期诊断和治疗进行讨论。结果术前诊断为左睾丸鞘膜积液、左睾丸肿瘤待排，遂行左高位睾丸切除术，术后病理检查诊断为睾丸网腺癌。免疫组化：AFP（-），PLAP（-），CK（＋），CD30（-），CK20（＋）。术后CT示肝内多发转移瘤、左肾和左肾上腺转移改变。结论睾丸网腺癌是原发于睾丸网纵膈的恶性肿瘤，极为罕见，其临床表现独特，基本治疗是根治性睾丸切除术辅以根治性腹膜后淋巴结清扫术，放疗和化疗效果欠佳。该病预后差，文献报道5年生存率仅为13％。     

Primary adenocarcinoma of the rete testis with preceding diagnosis of pulmonary metastases

We report a case of primary adenocarcinoma of the rete testis in a 55-year-old man with pulmonary metastases that were detected 11 months prior to the diagnosis of the primary lesion. Primary adenocarcinoma of the rete testis is an extremely rare malignant tumor with a poor outcome. The most common primary symptom is a scrotal mass, often accompanied by hydrocele and chronic epididymitis. The diagnosis is often delayed because of non-specific clinical presentation and symptoms. We cannot forget that rete testis is a possible primary site for a primary, unknown metastatic adenocarcinoma.     

The role of ultrasonographically guided puncture of the human rete testis in the therapeutic management of nonobstructive azoospermia

We attempted to characterize the cells collected from the rete testis via ultrasonographically guided puncture. Unilateral puncture of the rete testis was performed in nine men with obstructive azoospermia and 51 men with nonobstructive azoospermia. All the aspirated samples from the rete testis were observed via confocal scanning laser microscope and some of them after fluorescent in situ hybridization techniques. Then therapeutic testicular biopsy was performed in the punctured testis of each man. Spermatozoa were found in all rete testis samples and all biopsy samples from obstructed men. Twenty-two nonobstructed men demonstrated absence of spermatozoa in biopsy samples. Twenty-nine nonobstructed men showed spermatozoa in biopsy material and 24 of these men (82%) had demonstrated spermatozoa in rete testis samples. There were no significant differences in fertilization and cleavage rate between intracytoplasmic sperm injection trials using biopsy spermatozoa and rete testis spermatozoa both in obstructed and nonobstructed men. Considering that puncture of the rete testis does not reduce the volume of testicular parenchyma, is less invasive and apparently causes less detrimental effect on testicular vasculature than biopsy, puncture of rete testis is recommended as first line approach for the treatment of azoospermic men. If puncture is negative for spermatozoa in nonobstructed men, biopsy is indicated.     

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.     

Rete testis adenocarcinoma recurring in the inguinal lymph nodes. A case report

Adenocarcinoma of the rete testis is a rare neoplasm with 41 reported cases in the literature till 1994. In most of the reported cases, the neoplasm presents as a scrotal mass with diffuse enlargement. The aetiology is unknown and the clinical course of the tumour is not very well defined. In six of the reported cases metastatic spread of the tumour to inguinal lymph nodes was demonstrated in the follow-up. We report herein a distinctive case of rete testis adenocarcinoma presenting as an isolated inguinal recurrence one year after radical orchiectomy.     

Microlithiasis of the epididymis and the rete testis

Testicular microlithiasis is a well-defined clinical and pathologic entity easily diagnosed through testicular echography; however, its association with cancer and infertility is now under debate. Many efforts have been done in recent years to clarify the spectrum of lesions observed in testicular microlithiasis, but no published data as to the existence of a possible microlithiasis of the epididymis and the rete testis have been found. We have observed microlithiasis of the epididymis and the rete testis in surgical (8 epididymis and 6 testis) and autopsy specimens (12 cases). In decreased order of frequency, microliths of the proximal spermatic way were seen in rete testis, epididymal duct, and efferent ducts. Intraluminal, subepithelial, and interstitial microliths were localized along these segments of the spermatic way. Subepithelial microliths were the most frequently found. A granulomatous reaction around the interstitial epididymal microliths, mimicking malacoplakia, was observed in 1 case. The differential diagnosis of microliths includes corpora amilacea, Michaelis-Gutmann bodies, calcium deposits, hyaline globules, and parasites, like the giant kidney worm Dioctophyme renale. In infants and young adults, microlithiasis of the epididymis and the rete testis is frequently associated with alterations in the development of the proximal spermatic way. In elderly adults, it is related to ischemia and obstruction of the spermatic way.     

Adenomatous hyperplasia of the rete testis. A clinicopathologic study of nine cases

Adenomatous hyperplasia of the rete testis is an uncommon lesion that has recently been described. Nine cases of adenomatous hyperplasia were identified in two institutions from 1980 to 1989. At diagnosis the nine patients ranged in age from 30 to 74 years (mean, 59 years; median, 66 years). Three patients presented with a grossly identifiable solid or cystic testicular hilar mass. In six cases adenomatous hyperplasia was an incidental microscopic finding--five from orchiectomy specimens and one from an autopsy specimen. Microscopically, the hyperplasia consisted of a tubulopapillary epithelial proliferation of rete testis. The lining cells were cuboidal to low columnar and lacked nuclear pleomorphism or mitotic figures. The involvement of the rete testis was predominantly diffuse. In seven cases the seminiferous tubules showed atrophic changes. Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical (keratin, epithelial-membrane antigen: positive; vimentin, muscle-specific actin, desmin, and S-100: negative) studies done on one case showed similar features to those of nonhyperplastic rete testis epithelium. No patient with adenomatous hyperplasia showed local recurrence or metastasis. Possible pathogeneses include hormonal imbalance or stimulatory influence that remains as yet unidentified.     

睾丸网管状扩张的彩色多普勒超声诊断

目的 :应用彩色多普勒超声诊断睾丸网管状扩张。　方法 :应用彩色多普勒超声 ,对睾丸网管状扩张的二维图像、彩色多普勒血流图 (CDFI)和脉冲多普勒 (PW)进行了描述。　结果 :睾丸网管状扩张有特征性的彩色多普勒超声图像 (二维图像、CDFI和DW)即无相关的睾丸和邻近组织的病变以及在睾丸内扩张的网管内无血流显示。　结论 :彩色多普勒超声是诊断睾丸网管状扩张的首选影像检查方法。     

Adenocarcinoma of the rete testis. Review of the literature apropos of a new case

The authors report the case of a 66 year old man with a Boden stage I adenocarcinoma of the rete testis treated by orchiectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy. Lung metastases developed 46 months later and were responsible for death despite further chemotherapy. Adenocarcinoma of the rete testis is an exceptional tumour, as only 23 cases satisfying the criteria defined by Feek and Hunter have been reported in the literature. The prognosis is poor even in the apparently localized forms (5 year survival less than 25%) and local recurrences and lung and/or hepatic metastases are frequent. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy appear to have little value.     

Cystic dysplasia of the rete testis: ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging findings

Cystic dysplasia of the testis is a rare congenital anomaly. It presents a diagnostic challenge to the pediatrician and should be distinguished from malignant lesions. We herewith present a two-month-old boy who presented with right inguinal swelling. Detailed investigations including ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging helped in establishing the diagnosis of cystic dysplasia. To the best of our knowledge, our case is the first case of cystic dysplasia of the rete testis in the literature, which presented as undescended testis (inguinal swelling), with no associated renal or ureteric anomalies.     

Rete-testis-Karzinom mit lymphogener Metastasierung

Cancers of the rete testis are uncommon and usually occur in the 6th or 7th decade of life. The prognosis is dreadful. Approx. 40% of the affected patients die within 1 year after diagnosis due to progression of the disease. The primary therapy is surgical. Until now there is no effective chemotherapy. In our case following primary inguinal orchiectomy and confirmation of the diagnosis, a radical retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy and wide local resection were performed. One positive lymph node was found and adjuvant radiotherapy was performed. In this case preoperative PET/CT was not helpful. For the last 3 years now the patient has been disease free. Since cancers of the rete testis are very rare and the literature is scarce, we would like to recommend the introduction of a national registry.     

Cystic dysplasia of the testis: a very rare paediatric tumor of the testis

OBJECTIVES: To describe a case of cystic dysplasia of the testis (CDT), an uncommon cause of scrotal swelling in the pediatric patient. Clinic, therapy, fertility, and radiographic and pathologic findings are discussed and the 30 previously reported cases are reviewed. METHODS: A 9-year-old boy presented with asymptomatic scrotal swelling. A scrotal ultrasound showed a multicystic scrotal mass in the rete testis and an ipsilateral renal agenesis. The growth in size of the mass forced the authors to perform an operative exploration. RESULTS: Intraoperative findings included a multicystic mass in the rete testis of the right testicle. Testicle-sparing total removal of the multicystic mass was performed and the pathologic examination revealed a benign, multilobulated configuration of the cysts in the region of the rete testis. These findings were similar to those found in previously reported cases of CDT. Ipsilateral renal agenesis is the most common associated anomaly. As a pathogenetic factor, mal-junction of the Wolffian duct in the 5th week of gestation is most creditable. CONCLUSIONS: CDT is a rare cause of pediatric scrotal mass. When feasible, a testicle-sparing approach should be considered and all patients should undergo evaluation for associated urologic anomalies.     

Rete testis hyperplasia with hyaline globule formation. A lesion simulating yolk sac tumor.

The presence of eosinophilic, hyaline globules in association with epithelial hyperplasia was noted in the rete testis of three patients with germ cell tumors. In the more florid examples, this proliferation formed a solid and microcystic pattern that, in association with the hyaline globules, mimicked a yolk sac tumor component. However, the bland cytologic features of the cells and the conformation to the configuration of the rete testis were keys to its reactive nature. A subsequent review of 48 testicular specimens containing well-defined areas of the rete testis showed hyaline globule formation in the rete testis or tubuli recti in 16 of 27 germ cell tumors, one of five other testicular tumors (four stromal tumors and one plasmacytoma), and none of 16 nonneoplastic cases. Many of the cases that had hyaline globules also showed epithelial hyperplasia. Further analysis demonstrated an incidence of rete testis invasion by neoplasm in cases that had hyaline globules, with or without epithelial hyperplasia, that was significantly higher (p less than 0.01) than that seen in neoplastic cases lacking hyaline globules. We concluded that this pseudoneoplastic reaction developed secondary to invasion of the rete testis by tumor. Immunostains supported the nonneoplastic nature of the proliferative lesions and indicated that the globules represented various proteins that had been absorbed from the lumen of the rete testis by the epithelial-lining cells but not successfully secreted.     

Adenocarcinoma of the rete testis. Case report, ultrastructural observations, and clinicopathologic correlates

Adenocarcinoma of the rete testis is a rare tumor that tends to occur in men over the age of 60 and is usually associated with a poor prognosis. We report such a tumor occurring in a 63-year-old male 2 years after he underwent a scrotal exploration in the management of a hydrocele, varicocele, and inguinal hernia. The postorchidectomy course was characterized by slowly advancing, painful scrotal and perineal skin recurrences, lymph node metastases, and the absence of response to Adriamycin and electron-beam therapy. We are confident that the lesion is a carcinoma of the rete testis because: 1) the tumor is situated mainly in the testicular mediastinum, 2) primary germinal and nongerminal testicular tumors and spread from distant sources have been excluded, 3) a transition from normal rete testis to atypical and neoplastic rete epithelium is demonstrable, and 4) the transmission electron-microscopic findings support our conclusion. The distinction between carcinoma of the rete testis and malignant mesothelioma may be difficult and requires consideration of the gross, light-microscopic, and ultrastructural tumor characteristics in optimally fixed tissue.