Primary intratesticular sarcoma. Immunohistochemical ultrastructural and DNA flow cytometric study of three cases with a review of the literature

Cancer. 1996 Apr 15;77(8):1524-8. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1097-0142(19960415)77:8<1524::AID-CNCR15>3.0.CO;2-1.

Abstract

Background: Fourteen cases of testicular sarcoma have been reported in the contemporary era. These included 7 cases of rhabdomyosarcoma, 2 spindle cell sarcoma, 2 osteosarcoma, 1 leiomyosarcoma, 1 fibrosarcoma, and 1 chondrosarcoma coma.

Methods: In this report, immunohistochemical stains, electron microscopy, and DNA flow cytometric analysis were performed on primary testicular sarcomas from three patients.

Results: The patients were age 47, 40, and 33 years. Each presented initially with a testicular mass. The tumors measured 4.8, 4.0, and 4.0 cm in greatest dimension. There was no associated germ cell elements nor elevated alpha-fetoprotein or beta-human chorionic gonadotropin. Case 1 was positive for actin, vimentin, and alpha-1-chymotrypsin. Case 2 was positive for vimentin but not desmin. Case 3 was positive for desmin and S-100. Smooth muscle differentiation was identified by electron microscopy. Flow cytometric analysis revealed DNA aneuploidy in all cases: 1.27, 1.29, and 1.71. The 3 patients were alive and well without recurrent disease at 7, 6, and 4 years after diagnosis. Inguinal orchiectomy was the initial treatment in all 17 patients, there was 1 death from metastatic disease and 2 patients with distant metastases.

Conclusion: Primary testicular sarcoma is a rare indolent tumor with potential for distant metastases. Two cases of primary testicular leiomyosarcoma and one of unclassified sarcoma of the testis are reported.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aneuploidy
  • DNA, Neoplasm / analysis*
  • DNA, Neoplasm / genetics
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Middle Aged
  • Sarcoma / genetics*
  • Sarcoma / ultrastructure*
  • Testicular Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Testicular Neoplasms / ultrastructure*

Substances

  • DNA, Neoplasm