Testicular cancer presenting as disseminated tuberculosis: A case report

Introduction and Importance: Tuberculosis is one of the leading infectious causes of mortality worldwide. In the United States, foreign-born persons account for 70% of tuberculosis (TB) diagnoses. Comparatively, testicular cancer is much less common. However, metastatic disease may present similarly. Diagnosis is supported by elevated tumor markers and radical orchiectomy with specimen biopsy confirms the diagnosis and tumor type. Following resection, adjuvant treatment for metastatic disease includes chemotherapy. Case Presentation: This case describes a 22-year-old male immigrant with shortness of breath as the presenting symptom. Chest imaging showed a cavitary lung lesion encroaching the bronchus and left atrium. The patient was placed on airborne precautions and a complex hospital course ensued which resulted in the diagnosis of metastatic nonseminomatous germ cell tumor. The patient's 8 cm testicular tumor was treated with radical orchiectomy followed by chemotherapy. His condition deteriorated quickly, and he passed away in the hospital. Clinical Discussion: Metastatic testicular cancer is relatively rare compared to tuberculosis, especially in the immigrant population. Differentiating extrapulmonary TB from metastatic disease can pose a diagnostic challenge due to similar presentations. Complete physical exam including the genitalia is paramount in discerning a diagnosis of testicular cancer. Conclusion: Incidence of metastatic testicular cancer is much less common than extrapulmonary tuberculosis but must always be included on the differential for a young male.