Giant malignant mesenchymoma of the spermatic cord with bidirectional differentiation

R. Paul, H. Leyh, M. Hillemanns, H. Höfler, R. Hartung

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Spermatic cord neoplasms are a rare tumor entity and, moreover, of benign behavior. Malignant tumors of the spermatic cord are mostly of mesenchymal origin. We present the unusual case of a giant malignant mesenchymoma of the spermatic cord with bidirectional differentiation into a liposarcoma and a leiomyosarcoma. Case Report: A 84-year-old male patient presented with a scrotal mass on the left side which was observed growing since 1 year and misdiagnosed as scrotal hernia or testicular hydrocele. Ultrasound and computed tomography demonstrated a solid tumor suggesting a spermatic cord tumor. The patient underwent hemiscrotectomy, and the histological examination of the 2,500-gram specimen revealed a malignant mesenchymoma originating from the spermatic cord with two distinct histopathological compartments of liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma. Because an adjuvant therapy protocol is of questionable effect and because of the patient's age no further therapy was applied. The patient was closely followed and is now, 5 years after surgery, still free of disease. Conclusion: Even in older patients, scrotal masses should be considered malignant tumors as long as no benign diagnosis has been proven. Although malignant mesenchymomas are rare tumors with poor prognosis, in selected cases even large tumor masses, as presented, can be cured by surgery.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)73-75
Number of pages3
JournalOnkologie
Volume24
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001

Keywords

  • Bidirectional differentiation
  • Malignant mesenchymoma
  • Sarcoma
  • Spermatic cord neoplasm

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Giant malignant mesenchymoma of the spermatic cord with bidirectional differentiation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this