Benign scrotal tumors masquerading as expanding varicoceles

Vascular lesions of the scrotum though most often varicoceles, can occasionally represent either benign or malignant tumors containing vascular elements. Two pediatric patients presenting with vascular scrotal masses resembling varicoceles are reported. Histologic interpretation of the operative specimens demonstrated benign tumors of the scrotum. Hemangiomas, hamartomas, or mesenchymal tumors should be especially suspect in the presence of any vascular right scrotal lesion. Because of the infrequency of prepubertal varicoceles, any vascular lesion of the scrotum in this age group should undergo biopsy before simple excision is performed to rule out the presence of malignancy. Early excision of benign mesenchymal tumors is especially important if, as some believe, they eventually dedifferentiate to more malignant tumors later in the lifetime of an individual.