Synchronous Seminoma of Testis and Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Rare Case Report.

Background and Objectives: Seminoma is the most common solid malignant tumour in young men. Clear-cell kidney carcinoma is the most common malignancy of the genitourinary tract. However, the synchronous occurrence of both of these tumours is rare. Case presentation: We present the case of a 36-year-old patient who presented to a medical facility at the end of 2019 with an enlarged right testicle. A unilateral orchofuniculectomy was performed, and a mass measuring 30 cm was removed. During histological examination, testicular seminoma pT2, R0, was diagnosed. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed a 6.4 cm × 6.8 cm × 6.7 cm tumour in the right kidney and a metastatic-like lesion in the right adrenal gland. A right nephrectomy and an adrenalectomy and paraaortic and paracaval lymphadenectomies were performed. A histological evaluation confirmed the presence of clear-cell renal carcinoma pT2aR0 G2, adrenal hyperplasia, and seminoma metastases in the removed lymph node. Chemotherapy with a Bleomycin, Etoposide, and Cisplatin (BEP) regimen was carried out. Three years after the last cycle of chemotherapy, a follow-up CT scan showed metastases in the left kidney, the right ischium, and the right lung. A well-differentiated clear-cell carcinoma G1 of the left kidney and metastasis of clear-cell carcinoma G2 in the right ischium were confirmed after the biopsy, and no tumour lesions were found in the lung tissue specimen. Treatment with targeted therapy with Sunitinib was started because the risk was favourable according to the Heng criteria. Genetic testing was performed, and the following genes were analysed: VHL, BAP1, CHEK2, FH, MET, MUTYH, APC, and STK11. The testing did not reveal any pathogenic or potentially pathogenic mutations or sequence changes of unknown clinical significance in the genes analysed. Conclusions: According to the authors, the occurrence of synchronous primary tumours is linked to one's genetic predisposition. DNA sequencing of tumour tissue could provide more information on the corresponding aetiopathogenesis.

Seminoma-associated orbitopathy mimicking thyroid-associated orbitopathy: report of a case and literature review.

The authors describe a case of bilateral diffuse paraneoplastic orbital myositis induced by a stage IA left testicular pure seminoma. The patient presented with findings typical of thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO) and was thought to have TAO until discovery of the malignancy. Treatment included an urgent orchiectomy, as well as 7 weeks of therapeutic plasma exchange. This is the fifth reported case of seminoma-associated orbitopathy, and the second to occur while cancer was in the occult phase. Although seminoma-associated orbitopathy is exceedingly rare, it can masquerade as TAO and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any young male with atypical TAO findings.

Cytology of a seminoma in a koi (Cyprinus carpio): a rapid diagnostic tool.

Koi(Cyprinus carpio) is an ornamental variety of common carp frequently kept as pets. Given their long lifespan, neoplasia, albeit uncommon, may occur in these animals, and only a few studies have faced their cytological diagnosis. In the present case, a koi carp was referred to the clinicians due to coelomic swelling. The carp underwent surgery, which revealed an enlargement of both testes. Testicular samples were cytologically and histologically examined. The lesion was diagnosed as a seminoma since it was composed of round, large, atypical, and often multinucleated cells with round central nuclei and moderate cytoplasm. These tumors had the same appearance as seminomas in mammals and should be considered among differential diagnoses when coelomic swelling occurs in koi carp. Seminomas in koi carp are diagnosed histologically, but cytology, a rapid and cheap exam executable in all veterinary clinical facilities, could be a relevant preliminary diagnostic tool that may influence the entire diagnostic process.

Histopathological Analysis in Testicular Tumors: 10 Years of Experience.

Introduction. This study aims to review the morphological and immunohistochemical features of testicular tumors and compare them with prognostic parameters. Methods. Testicular tumors diagnosed between January 2011 and September 2021 were reviewed. Patient age, tumor subtype, size, spread, lateralization, number of foci, and immunohistochemical results were recorded. Results. A total of 121 tumors were detected, of which 108 (89%) were germ cell tumors (GCTs). Of the germ cell tumors, 70 (65%) were found to be pure type, and 38 (35%) were mixed germ cell tumors. The ratio of pure seminoma among GCTs was 56/108 (52%). Lymphatic/vascular invasion (LVI) was detected in 48/121 (40%), rete testis invasion in 32/121 (26%), hilar soft tissue invasion in 10/121 (8%), epididymal invasion in 5/121 (4%), and spermatic cord invasion in 5/121 (4%) patients. Lymphatic/vascular invasion was observed in 6 (22%) of 27 germ cell tumors smaller than 3 cm in size, and rete testis invasion was observed in 2 (7%), while in 40 (55%) of the 73 germ cell tumors of 3 cm and above, lymphatic/vascular invasion was seen, and 26 (36%) of them had rete testis invasion. Immunohistochemical results contributed significantly to the determination of tumor components and rates, especially in mixed germ cell tumors. Conclusion. Most of the tumors were germ cell tumors, and the majority were seminomas. Lymphatic/vascular invasion and rete testis invasion rates increase as the tumor diameter increases, which is more evident when the 3 cm cut-off value is taken into account (P < 0.005).

Seminoma of testis with isolated bony metastasis at presentation.

Germ cell tumor (GCT) comprises more than 95% of cases of all testicular tumor. Seminomas are a type of GCT where majority of patient presents with favorable outcome. Metastasis to nonpulmonary are rare scenarios and are grouped as intermediate risk. Most of the patients relapse in pulmonary or nonpulmonary sites within 2 years of treatment completion. However, bony metastasis (BM) on presentation is a rare condition. Here, we report a case of 37-year-old man diagnosed with stage I seminoma and underwent orchidectomy. Positron-emission tomography computed tomography scan after surgery revealed isolated bony metastasis in the left sacrum. Based on this, confirmatory diagnosis of Stage IIIc seminoma was made for which he received four cycles of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin followed by palliative Radiotherapy (RT) to the metastatic region. After 1 year of follow-up, the patient is well and alive with no symptoms.

Comparison between free ß subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and total hCG assays in adults with testicular cancer.

OBJECTIVES: We tested the hypothesis that the free-ß subunit (ßhCG) is diagnostically more sensitive with total hCG assays (hCGt) not detecting all tumours secreting ßhCG. The effects of sex, age, and renal failure were investigated as secondary objectives. METHODS: We compared ßhCG with hCGt in 204 testicular cancer patients (99 seminomas, 105 non-seminonatous germ cell tumours). The effects of sex and age were determined in 125 male and 138 female controls and that of renal failure was investigated in 119 haemodialysis patients. Biochemical assessment of gonadal status was performed with LH, FSH, oestradiol and testosterone. RESULTS: Discordant results were common with isolated increases of hCGt observed in 32 (15.7 %) and ßhCG in 14 (6.9 %) patients. Primary hypogonadism was the most common cause of isolated hCGt increases. After therapeutic interventions ßhCG decreased below its upper reference more rapidly than hCGt. We observed unequivocal false negative results in two patients with non-seminomatous germ cell tumours. Both occurred in patients with clinical tumour recurrences; in one instance we observed a false negative hCGt while in the second false negative ßhCG's were documented in serial samples. CONCLUSIONS: The similar false negative rates did not support the hypothesis that ßhCG will detect more patients with testicular cancer than hCGt. In contrast to hCGt, ßhCG was unaffected by primary hypogonadism which is a predictably frequent complication in testicular cancer patients. We therefore recommend ßhCG as the preferred biomarker in testicular cancer.

[Burned-out testicular germ cell tumors: a clinicopathological analysis of three cases].

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features and possible mechanisms of burned-out testicular germ cell tumors. Methods: The clinical and imaging data, histology and immunophenotypic characteristics of three cases of burned-out testicular germ cell tumors diagnosed at the Ruijin Hospital, Medical College of the Shanghai Jiaotong University, from 2016 to 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The relevant literature was reviewed. Results: The mean age of the three patients was 32 years. Case 1 had an elevated preoperative alpha-fetoprotein level (810.18 µg/L) and underwent "radical pancreaticoduodenectomy and retroperitoneal lesion resection" for a retroperitoneal mass. Postoperative pathology showed embryonal carcinoma, which needed to exclude gonadal metastasis. Color Doppler ultrasound showed a solid mass of the right testis, with hypoechoic lesion and scattered calcification in some areas. Case 2 was a "right supraclavicular lymph node biopsy specimen." Chest X-ray showed multiple metastases in both lungs. The biopsy showed metastatic embryonic carcinoma and bilateral testicular color Doppler ultrasound revealed abnormal calcifications in the right testicle. Case 3 showed a cystic mass of the right testis with calcification and solid areas. All 3 patients underwent radical right orchiectomy. Grossly, borders of the testicular scar areas were well defined. Cross sectioning of the tumors showed a gray-brown cut surface and single focus or multiple foci of the tumor. The tumor maximum diameter was 0.6-1.5 cm. Microscopically, lymphocytes, plasma cells infiltration, tubular hyalinization, clustered vascular hyperplasia and hemosiderin laden macrophages were found in the scar. Atrophic and sclerotic seminiferous tubules, proliferation of clustered Leydig cells and small or coarse granular calcifications in seminiferous tubules were present around the scar. Seminoma and germ cell neoplasia in situ were seen in case 1, germ cell neoplasia in situ was seen in case 2 and germ cells with atypical hyperplasia were seen in case 3. Immunohistochemistry showed that embryonic carcinoma expressed SALL4, CKpan(AE1/AE3) and CD30, seminoma and germ cell tumor in situ expressed OCT3/4, SALL4 and CD117, and spermatogenic cells with atypical hyperplasia expressed CD99 and SALL4. The Ki-67 positive index was about 20%, while OCT3/4 and CD117 were both negative. Conclusions: Burned-out testicular germ cell tumors are rare. The possibility of gonad testicular metastasis should be considered first for extragonadal germ cell tumor. If fibrous scar is found in testis, it must be determined whether it is a burned-out testicular germ cell tumor. The burned-out mechanisms may be related to the microenvironment of tumor immune-mediated and local ischemic injury.

Evaluation of the M371-Test Under Real-life Conditions for Diagnosis and Follow Up of Testicular Germ Cell Tumors.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of the study was to establish the performance of the M371-Test on the Thermocycler Rotor-GeneQ (Qiagen) platform for diagnosis and follow-up of testicular tumors and to evaluate the test under real-life conditions in comparison to the classical markers alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-HCG) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-four patients, of median age 29 years (range=24-84) were included in this prospective study at our institution between March 2021 and September 2022. Of the 44 patients, 23 had a suspicion of testicular cancer (TC) and 21 were under follow-up for TC. In total, 96 M371-Tests were performed and compared with AFP, ß-HCG, LDH using histological diagnosis and/or computer tomography (CT) scan as the gold standard. RESULTS: In the patients with suspicion of TC, the M371-Test showed a sensitivity of 73.7%, AFP of 21%, LDH of 31.6% and ß-HCG of 42.1%. In the patients under follow-up for TC, the M371-Test showed a sensitivity of 86.4%, AFP of 50%, LDH of 31.8% and ß-HCG of 63.6%. In germ cell tumours (GCT)/non-seminomas, M371-Test had a sensitivity of 83.3%, AFP of 77.8%, LDH of 38.9% and ß-HCG of 66.7%. In GCT/seminomas, M371-Test had a sensitivity of 85%, AFP of 5%, LDH of 30% and ß-HCG of 50%. CONCLUSION: Under real life conditions performed on the real-time Thermocycler Rotor-GeneQ (Qiagen) platform, the M371-Test shows an outstanding performance and is far beyond the sensitivity of the classical markers for detecting GCTs and in the follow-up of patients after GCT, especially in seminomas.

A giant intra-abdominal right testicular seminoma in a bilateral undescended testicle: a case report.

Cryptorchidism is the most common congenital malformation of the male genitourinary tract. An undescended testicle has a 10% chance of developing cancer, with an intra-abdominal testicle having the highest risk. We present a 24-year-old man with a history of bilateral cryptorchidism, complaining of lower abdominal mass for two months. An abdominal computed tomography scan showed an intra-abdominal mass lesion measuring 13 x 9 cm and displacing the bladder caudally. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a right intra-abdominal testicular tumor. A right orchiectomy and left orchidopexy was performed. Histopathological examination revealed a testicular seminoma. The patient was discharged without complications and was referred to the oncology department for chemotherapy and further management. Our findings support the early treatment and close monitoring of cases of cryptorchidism due to the risk of malignancy as well as the necessity of routine scrotal examinations in all males presenting with an abdominal mass.

H&E and OCT4/CD34 for the assessment of lympho-vascular invasion in seminoma and embryonal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is a relevant prognostic factor in germ cell tumors of the testis (GCTT), and it is included in the pT stage. However, its detection on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) slides is very challenging, and previous studies reported fair to moderate inter-observer agreement among dedicated uropathologists. In the present study, we tested H&E and a recently developed in-house double staining for OCT4/CD34 to detect LVI in GCTT. METHODS: Nine authors [5 non-uropathologists and 4 uropathologists] independently evaluated 34 consecutive and retrospectively enrolled cases of GCTT. We assessed the inter-observer agreement (Fleiss's Kappa) with both H&E and OCT4/CD34. Besides, we compared the consensus diagnosis on both H&E and OCT4/CD34-stained sections with the original diagnosis to evaluate the pT re-staging (McNemar test) and identify the sources of disagreement. RESULTS: The inter-observer agreement among uropathologists plus non-uropathologists was fair with both H&E (KF=0.398; p < 0.001) and OCT4/CD34 (KF=0.312; p < 0.001). OCT4/CD34 (KF=0.290; p < 0.001) slightly reduces the inter-observer agreement compared to H&E (KF=0.321; p < 0.001) for non-uropathologists; in contrast, OCT4/CD34 (KF=0.293; p < 0.001) significantly reduces the inter-observer agreement compared to H&E (KF=0.529; p < 0.001) for uropathologists, changing it from moderate to fair. Consensus diagnosis with H&E modified the LVI status of the original diagnosis in 8/34 (23.5 %) cases (p: 0.070), with pT re-staging in 2/34 (5.9 %) cases (p: 0.500). Consensus diagnosis with OCT4/CD34 modified the LVI status of the original diagnosis in 8/34 (23.5 %) cases (p: 0.289), with pT re-staging in 3/34 (8.8 %) cases (p: 0.250). The consensus diagnosis with OCT4/CD34 modified the consensus diagnosis with H&E in 8/34 (23.5 %) cases (p: 0.727), and these findings resulted in pT-restaging in 3/34 (8.8 %) cases (p: 0.500). The sources of disagreement among uropathologists were: H&E [artefactual clefts misinterpreted as LVI in 4/6 (66.7 %) cases and true foci of LVI misinterpreted as clusters of histiocytes within the vessels in 2/6 (33.3 %) cases], OCT4/CD34 [artefactual clefts misinterpreted as LVI in 2/8 (25 %) cases, true LVI misinterpreted as artefactual clefts in 2/8 (25 %) cases or floaters in 4/8 (50 %) cases]. CONCLUSIONS: OCT4/CD34 does not improve the inter-observer agreement for the assessment of LVI in OCT4(+) GCTT. Consensus diagnosis with H&E modifies the LVI status in a significant number of cases, resulting in changes of the pT stage in a relatively small subgroup. Consensus diagnosis with OCT4/CD34 provides little additional benefit since it cannot exclude mimickers of LVI such as floaters and artefactual clefts. These results argue against the adoption of this diagnostic tool for the routine assessment of OCT4(+) GCTT.

Sarcomatoid Spermatocytic Tumour: Report of a Rare Case and Literature Review.

Spermatocytic tumour (ST) accounts for 1% of testicular germ cell tumours. It is an indolent neoplasm with good prognosis. In approximately 6% of STs, sarcomatous dedifferentiation may occur, portending an aggressive behaviour and representing a significant diagnostic challenge that can lead to its misdiagnosis. Herein, we report the clinicopathological features of a patient with a sarcomatoid spermatocytic tumor, initially diagnosed as mixed germ cell tumour, who was referred to our institution with lung metastases mainly composed of rhabdomyosarcomatous elements. This case report illustrates the importance of recognizing this entity for adequate management of these patients.

Germ cell neoplasms of the testis: Update for 2022.

Germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS) is the precursor of both seminomatous and non-seminomatous germ cell tumors. It consists of distended tubules that may have either intratubular seminoma or intratubular embryonal carcinoma cells. Many invasive non-seminomatous tumors contain a mixture of tumor types, which are reviewed here. Morphology, aided by a panel of immunostains, can determine the presence and percent of embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac tumor, choriocarcinoma, or teratoma in such tumors. Use of immunostains, required for diagnosis in perhaps 25% of testicular neoplasms, is reviewed. Changes of classification in the AJCC (8th edition) in 2016 are discussed, including the partitioning of two tumor types: the central role of chromosome 12p amplification allows both teratoma and yolk sac tumor to be divided into prepubertal types (lacking amplification) and post-pubertal types. Occasionally, sex cord-stromal tumors, hematolymphoid tumors, or epididymal adenomatoid tumors enter the differential diagnosis of germ cell neoplasms.

A case of soft-tissue tumor over the sternum: A rare case report.

The objective is to report a rare case of extragonadal seminoma over the manubrium sterni on the chest wall. A 42-year-old male patient, a chronic alcoholic for 10 years presented with a firm mass of approximate size 10 cm × 12 cm overlying the manubrium part of the sternum. A clinical diagnosis of soft-tissue tumor was made. All relevant preoperative workup was done. Fine-needle aspiration cytology of the mass was suggestive of serous cystic lesion with chronic inflammation. Wide local excision of the mass and primary closure of the wound was done, followed by histopathological examination. Unanticipatedly, on histology, the mass turned out to be extragonadal seminoma. Postoperative wound healing was satisfactory. Subsequently, the patient underwent adjuvant chemotherapy. Primary extragonadal seminoma itself is a rare tumor that affects mainly young people with mediastinum as the most commonly involved site and has higher chances of metastasis. This case of extragonadal seminoma (extragonadal germ cell tumour) over manubrium sterni without any mediastinal involvement in a patient in early forties presenting as soft-tissue tumor, itself is a rarer entity and perhaps one of the kinds. Hence, the case needs to be reported and further progression and prevention have to be discussed.

Hypercalcaemia and acute kidney injury: A rare presentation of seminoma.

Hypercalcaemia is common in patients with malignancy, but is rare in seminoma with only eight cases reported in the literature. We present an unusual case of a 36-year-old man who presented with hypercalcaemia and stage 3 acute kidney injury. He presented initially with headache and malaise, and was found to have markedly deranged blood tests. He underwent a renal biopsy before imaging confirmed an unexpected large abdominal mass, which was confirmed histologically to be a seminoma. He was referred to a tertiary oncology centre, and underwent emergency chemotherapy and radical resection with no evidence of recurrence to this date and with return to normocalcaemia.

Role of Lactate Dehydrogenase in Identifying Relapse for Patients With Stage I Testicular Cancer on Surveillance.

PURPOSE: Tumor markers alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin, and lactate dehydrogenase assume a key role in the management of testicular germ cell tumors. While alpha-fetoprotein and human chorionic gonadotropin have modest sensitivity and specificity for germ cell tumors, lactate dehydrogenase has weak sensitivity and specificity. We explored the utility of lactate dehydrogenase in identifying relapse among stage I seminomatous and nonseminomatous germ cell tumors on surveillance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with a history of stage I testicular germ cell tumors were identified from a prospectively maintained database at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre from December 1980 to May 2021 and surveyed according to established institutional algorithm guidelines. The utility of lactate dehydrogenase elevation to independently detect germ cell tumor relapse was examined. RESULTS: Among 1,014 seminoma and 676 nonseminomatous germ cell tumor patients, 176 and 176 patients relapsed with a median time to relapse of 13.6 and 8.9 months, respectively. Imaging alone was the most common mode of relapse detection in 144 and 74 of seminoma and nonseminomatous germ cell tumor patients, respectively. Lactate dehydrogenase was elevated in 49 cases of seminoma and 38 cases of nonseminomatous germ cell tumors at relapse, but was never the sole relapse indicator. Among 350 seminoma and 311 nonseminomatous germ cell tumor patients who never relapsed, 210 and 233, respectively, had at least 1 elevated lactate dehydrogenase value. CONCLUSIONS: Lactate dehydrogenase alone did not independently contribute to early relapse detection in stage I seminoma or nonseminomatous germ cell tumor. Elevated lactate dehydrogenase values were documented in a high proportion of nonrelapsing seminoma and nonseminomatous germ cell tumor cases.