Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
10:41
Germ Cell Transplantation and Testis Tissue Xenografting in Mice
Published on: February 6, 2012
Concurrent xanthogranulomatous orchiepididymitis and seminoma in the same testis
J Fernando Val-Bernal1, Pilar González-Márquez, Enrique Ramos-Barseló
1Department of Anatomical Pathology, Medical Faculty, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain. apavbj@humv.es
Pathology International
|January 9, 2010
Summary
Xanthogranulomatous orchiepididymitis (XGO) can mimic testicular cancer. This rare condition may coexist with an occult seminoma, highlighting the need for thorough pathological examination.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Pathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Xanthogranulomatous orchiepididymitis (XGO) is a rare inflammatory testicular disease.
- XGO can present as a testicular mass, mimicking malignancy.
- Previous reports of XGO are limited, with only 19 cases documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a unique case of XGO coexisting with an occult seminoma.
- To emphasize the diagnostic challenges posed by XGO.
- To highlight the importance of comprehensive histopathological evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 52-year-old male with a left testicular mass and scrotal discharge.
- Diagnostic workup included ultrasound and tumor markers.
- Surgical management via orchidectomy followed by histopathological analysis.
Main Results:
- Histopathology revealed both XGO and a concurrent, occult typical seminoma.
- Ultrasound findings were suggestive of neoplasia.
- Testicular tumor markers were within normal limits.
Conclusions:
- XGO can mimic testicular malignancy and may coexist with it.
- This is the first documented case of XGO with concurrent occult seminoma.
- Pathologists must be vigilant for this concurrence to prevent misdiagnosis; wide sampling is crucial.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Testes: Histology
A tough, fibrous membrane, the tunica albuginea, covers the testes, extending inward to form fibrous partitions or septa, dividing them into internal compartments called lobules. Each lobule has 1 to 3 tightly coiled seminiferous tubules where sperm production occurs. These tubules merge into a tubular network at the back of the testis, known as the rete testis. It connects to 15 to 20 efferent ductules, leading to the epididymis.
The spermatogenic cells, responsible for producing sperm, are...
The spermatogenic cells, responsible for producing sperm, are...
01:20Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Men's health issues are increasingly recognized as significant, with several conditions posing common threats. Among these, testicular cancer is especially prevalent in younger men, particularly those aged 20 to 35 years. The disease often manifests as a painless mass in the testicles, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or a dull ache.
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...
01:19Testes: Gross Anatomy
The testes, also known as testicles, are the male gonads. They are housed within the scrotum, a sac-like structure located beneath the penis. The scrotum's primary role is to regulate the temperature of the testes, which is crucial for sperm production.
Each testis is surrounded by the tunica albuginea, a dense connective tissue layer that provides structural support and protection. This layer is covered by an outer serous membrane called the tunica vaginalis, which helps reduce friction...
Each testis is surrounded by the tunica albuginea, a dense connective tissue layer that provides structural support and protection. This layer is covered by an outer serous membrane called the tunica vaginalis, which helps reduce friction...
01:23Infertility in Males
Male infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, arising from various factors that impact different stages of the reproductive process. An endocrine imbalance resulting from conditions like hypogonadism, Klinefelter syndrome, or pituitary disorders can disrupt hormone levels and reduce sperm production. Testicular defects, such as tumors, cryptorchidism, atrophic testes, abnormal sperm morphology, and low sperm count or motility, may arise due to genetic factors, structural...
01:15Sperm Transport
The journey of sperm from its origin to the point of ejaculation begins within the seminiferous tubules of the testis. Here, Sertoli cells produce fluid that propels non-motile sperm through a series of conduits, starting with the straight tubules leading to the rete testis. This interconnected network of tubules acts as the initial pathway for sperm, guiding them into the efferent ductules and then into the epididymis for maturation.
The maturation phase occurs in the epididymis, where sperm...
The maturation phase occurs in the epididymis, where sperm...
01:41Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male reproductive...