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.     

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. 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.     

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％。     

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.     

Three cases of unusual non-germ cell tumors of the testicle

By describing 3 clinical cases of unusual testicular non germinal tumors, including an adenoma of the rete testis, an undifferenciated sex cord tumor and a mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis, we make a literature review of the unusual testicular tumors and testicular apendix, including their incidence and management. Also and as one of our conclusions, we expose the importance of the intraoperatory biopsy in the testicular cancer surgery, because even if it is infrecuent, the presence of this rare testicular tumors, in which if they are proven to be benign, the testicular unit could be preserved and the radical orquiectomy could be avoided.     

Macrophages Lysing Seminoma Cells in Patients with Carcinoma-In-Situ (CIS) of the Testis/Makrophagen, die Seminomzellen lysieren, bei Patienten mit Carcinoma-In-Situ (CIS) des Hodens

Testicles of 15 subfertile men who underwent orchidectomy because of intratubular seminoma cells resp. carcinoma-in-situ (CSI) pattern in testicular biopsy were examined by semithin sections as well as by ultrathin sections. With one exception the volume of the testicles was reduced (means = 16 ml). 6 cases (= 40%) had exclusively intratubular seminoma cells, 4 cases (= 26.6%) intratubular and interstitial seminoma cells and 5 cases (= 33.3%) a solid seminoma near the rete testis. In all patients an interstitial inflammatory infiltration as well as tubular shadows of various degree could be observed. Some tubular shadows contained macrophages in the center heavily loaded with lipid droplets. Furthermore, in two cases many seminiferous tubules could be detected which contained activated macrophages in the lumen lysing tumor cells. One of the patients had only intratubular tumor cells, whereas the other patient had a solid seminoma near the rete testis. Our data suggest that activated macrophages killing intratubular tumor cells in patients with CIS pattern of the testis resp. with an early stage of a seminoma represent a physiological immunological reaction of the host in preventing further invasive tumor growth. Tubular shadows represent the final process of macrophage activity and may explain the reduced testicular volume in patients with CIS. However, the density of the inflammatory reaction and the extent of intratubular macrophages lysing tumor cells does not correlate with a low or high risk of tumor growth.     

Adenocarcinoma of the rete testis. A case report

Adenocarcinoma of the rete testis is a rare malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. About 60 cases of this adenocarcinoma have been reported in the literature. The diagnosis is often difficult and made incidentally. Herein, we report a case of adenocarcinoma of the rete testis and review the literature. Our patient was an 80-year-old man who presented with painless scrotal swelling for 2 years. Physical examination revealed an enlarged, hard mass of the left scrotum. The serum markers alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-HCG), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were negative. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a left hydrocele with central necrosis of the testis. After 4 months, the patient presented with appetite loss, general fatigue, and pain in the left scrotum. Positron emission tomography (PET) was performed in another hospital, and the patient was referred for a left testicular tumor, multiple lung metastases, and para-aorta lymph node metastasis. The patient underwent left high inguinal orchiectomy. Pathological examination revealed a hard whitish mass around the testis involving the epididymis and tunica vaginalis and spreading under the subcutaneous tissue. Histological examination revealed adenocarcinoma in the hilum of the testis, which extended to the subcutaneous tissue but not to the surface of the scrotum. The tunica albuginea was intact, and no invasion of carcinoma in the testis was seen. After the histological diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the rete testis was confirmed, computed tomography (CT) was performed and showed multiple pulmonary nodules and para-aortica lymph node swelling of 3 cm diameter. Because the patient did not wish to receive chemotherapy or other aggressive treatment, he has been followed-up with palliative care since his diagnosis. Although local recurrence has occurred 4 months later, he is still alive for 8 months since his diagnosis.     

Polyorchidism and adenomatous hyperplasia of the rete testis: a case report with sonographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings and review of literature

Supernumerary testis or polyorchidism is a rare congenital anomaly with about 200 reported cases in the literature. It may be associated with cryptorchidism, testicular torsion and neoplasms. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging are effective noninvasive methods of accurately detecting polyorchidism. In most cases, ultrasonography is diagnostic and magnetic resonance imaging plays confirmatory role by providing additional information if complicated with neoplasia. We report a case of 16‐year‐old man with right supernumerary testis associated with adenomatous hyperplasia of the rete testis, its sonographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings and management.     

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.     

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.     

Age-related epididymis-like intratesticular structures: benign lesions of Wolffian origin that can be misdiagnosed as testicular tumors

This study aims to characterize the epididymis-like intratesticular structures (ELITSs), a rare lesion found in elderly men. ELITSs were identified in 6 patients from a review of 1442 autopsies and 271 surgical specimens of adult men. Bilateral lesions were seen in 5 cases. The lesion was located in the proximity of the mediastinal rete testis (6 testes) and at the testicular periphery (4 testes), and at both central and peripheral locations in 1 case. The lesion is characterized by a pseudostratified cylindrical epithelium, with a robust pankeratin and 8, 18, and 19 keratin expression, focal vimentin expression, and apical CD 10 expression, similar to what is proper of the normal human epididymidis. The epithelial layer of ELITSs was surrounded by a thin layer of smooth-muscle cells. The adjacent testicular parenchyma was atrophied and the rete testis showed some associated degenerative lesions related to arteriosclerosis. The ELITSs are distinct from atrophic seminiferous tubules with a Sertoli cell-only pattern and from the benign glandular teratomatous component of an involution of a malignant testicular germ cell tumor, the so-called burn-out germ cell tumor. Clinical and histopathological data suggest that this lesion represents a late Wolffian differentiation similar to the initial segment of the epididymal duct, which represents an unusual manifestation of the aging process.     

Unusual tumors of the testis. Apropos of 22 cases]

The authors report their experience of rare non-germ-cell tumours of the testis over a period of 10 years. The criteria of benign disease, justifying testicular preservation in 5 out of 7 cases of epidermoid cysts, are defined. Four cases of Leydig cell tumours, including 3 with gynaecomastia, are described. Three cases of adenomatoid tumours with conservative surgery, 3 lymphomas, 2 mature teratomas and 2 cysts of the rete testis are also reported. The place of ultrasonography is defined and the possibility of conservative surgery is discussed in relation to a review of the recent literature.     

Adenocarcinoma of rete testis.

Adenocarcinoma of the rete testis is a rare tumor of the genital tract. An advanced case of adenocarcinoma thought to arise from the rete testis is presented. We believe this is the eighteenth reported case.     

Cystic testicular lesions in infancy

The present article reports a case 11 month-old infant with a right intratesticular cyst. We analyze the etiology, differential diagnosis and management off all cystic lesions of the pediatric testis. Patient age at presentation, examination features, tumor markers and sonographic appearance may assist in making a presumptive and occasionally definitive diagnosis preoperatively. The differential diagnosis include intratesticular simple cyst, epidermoid cyst, tunica albuginea cyst, testicular teratoma, juvenil granulosa cell tumor-gonadal stromal tumor, cystic dysplasia of the rete testis, cystic lymphangioma, and testicular torsion. Usually enucleation is the best treatment. 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.     

Studies on relationship between testicular capsule and sperm transport in rat testis

Aim: In SD rats, histological changes in the testis were observed after bilateral capsulotomy (of the tunica albuginea) in order to investigate the physiological role of the testicular capsule on sperm transport. Methods: Bilateral longitudinal capsulotomy was devised to disrupt the capsular contractile function. With this technique, only the tunica vaginalis and tunlca albuginea were slit open, leaving the tunica vasculosa intact to embrace the underlying testicular parenchyma. After capsulotomy, the structural changes in the seminiferous tubules, the transitional distal seminiferous segment, and the rete testis were observed. Results: In the capsulotomized testis, there was sperm retention at the transitional seminiferous segment and progressive degenerative changes in seminiferous tubules. Conclusion: The results clearly indicated that an intact testicular capsule was required for normal sperm transport from the seminiferous tubules into the rete testis. This is the first attempt to study the physiological role of the testicular capsule in intact animals.     

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.     

Metastatic carcinoma to the testis: a clinicopathologic analysis of 26 nonincidental cases with emphasis on deceptive features

Metastatic carcinomas to the testis may simulate primary testicular neoplasms, even in patients with known extratesticular primaries, but information on this topic is limited. We therefore reviewed our experience with 26 cases from consultation (N=23) or hospital (N=3) files; none of the cases were from autopsy material or incidentally discovered in therapeutic orchiectomies from patients with prostate cancer. The tumors occurred in men 29 to 90 years old, with the prostate the most common primary site (N=11), followed by the renal parenchyma (N=4), colon (N=4), urinary tract (N=3), lung (N=2), esophagus (N=1), and, most probably, small intestine (carcinoid, N=1). Noteworthy findings included: the frequent absence of a known primary tumor (62%), the rarity of bilateral involvement (8%), the occasional lack of a distinct mass on gross examination (15%), the infrequency of multinodularity either grossly (8%) or microscopically (35%), the prominence of intertubular growth (42%), conspicuous intrarete or intratubular growth in some cases (especially prostate carcinoma) (19%), prominent cytoplasmic vacuoles in occasional cases (15%), and the frequent presence of lymphatic involvement (69%). Four tumors (3 prostate, 1 renal) with prominent intrarete and/or intratubular growth had submitting diagnoses of either a primary rete neoplasm or seminoma. Four tumors (2 prostate, 1 renal, and 1 bladder) with prominently vacuolated pale cells simulated Sertoli cell tumor. We conclude that, if autopsy cases and incidental tumors in therapeutic orchiectomy specimens are excluded, metastatic carcinomas to the testis are usually solitary, unilateral tumors that may simulate primary neoplasms, including rete adenocarcinoma and Sertoli cell tumor. Despite the rarity of documented cases in the literature, the bladder and renal pelvis should not be overlooked as possible sources for testicular metastasis. The pathologist must have a high index of suspicion for the possibility of a metastatic carcinoma to the testis for any testicular tumor where the routine light microscopic or immunohistochemical findings are unusual for a primary neoplasm. Clues to the likely primary site can usually be gleaned from the pathologic findings.     

Adenomatoid tumor of testicle.

A rare case of intratesticular adenomatoid tumor is described. Pathologically and clinically this tumor is associated with the seminiferous tubules and the rete testis. The patient underwent left inguinal exploration to confirm the testicular tumor. A radical orchiectomy was performed. We believe this is the first case of documented intratesticular adenomatoid tumor that did not arise from either tunica albuginea or epididymis. The cytologic origin of adenomatoid tumors and an unusual finding of decreased spermatogenesis with marked atrophy of the testes are also presented.