[Primary lymphoma of the spermatic cord]

A case of primary malignant lymphoma of the spermatic cord in an eighty-nine-year old man is described. The mass simulated a groin hernia and was misdiagnosed elsewhere. The biopsy stated the presence of high malignant centroblastic lymphoma of the spermatic cord. The patient died few weeks after the diagnosis. The review of the literature permits to stress the rarity of this observation: only seven cases of funicular lymphoma are reported up to now. In all cases there are problems in differential diagnosis with other more frequent inguinocrural pathologies. The tumour of the spermatic cord is therefore an intraoperatory diagnosis. The surgical approach is the treatment of choice but it must be supported by a proper chemotherapy. In any case the prognosis is poor and depends on tumour's staging, clinical behaviour and response to the therapy.