Bilateral testicular enlargement and seminoma in a patient with acromegaly

Br J Neurosurg. 2004 Dec;18(6):629-31. doi: 10.1080/02688690400022797.

Abstract

Growth hormone (GH) excess has been associated with soft tissue changes and an increase in the incidence of colonic polyps and gastrointestinal cancer. We describe a patient with endogenous GH excess caused by a pituitary tumour, resulting in acromegaly. The patient had bilateral testicular enlargement, with tumour of the right testicle. Pituitary MRI revealed a macroadenoma. After resection of the pituitary tumour, GH levels fell below 0.5 ng/ml, with acromegaly resolution. Testicular resection revealed seminoma. Following acromegaly resolution, the enlarged remaining testicle decreased in size. The implications of the testicular enlargement and seminoma in the presence of a GH-secreting tumour are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acromegaly / complications*
  • Adenoma, Acidophil / complications
  • Adult
  • Human Growth Hormone / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / complications
  • Seminoma / etiology*
  • Testicular Neoplasms / etiology*

Substances

  • Human Growth Hormone