Imaging in paratesticular lesions

A 23-year-old male presented with complaints of gradually increasing swelling of the left hemiscrotum. Preliminary ultrasound scan revealed a heterogeneous, predominantly solid lesion showing raised internal vascularity with few cystic areas in the paratesticular region, towards the midline with both testes seen separately from the lesion. To rule out presence of locoregional or distant metastases, a CT scan was done which revealed a well-defined, intrascotal, extratesticular, heterogeneous, moderately enhancing mass lesion with cystic areas in the scrotal sac with no significant lymphadenopathy or obvious distant metastasis. Subsequent MRI done for surgical planning revealed a heterogeneous signal intensity lesion with cystic areas and areas of haemorrhage with focal loss of fat planes with the left corpora cavernosa at the root of the penis. The patient underwent an inguinoscrotal exploration with excision of the left paratesticular mass. Final histopathology suggested an undifferentiated high grade pleomorphic sarcoma. Paratesticular tumours while rare are an important cause of scrotal swelling. Exact histological identification of tumour subtype is not possible based on imaging but preoperative multi-modality imaging has an important role in identifying tissue of origin, differentiating benign from malignant lesions, surgical planning and assessing the need for adjuvant CT/RT.