Primary intratesticular sarcoma: Immunohistochemical ultrastructural and DNA flow cytometric study of three cases with a review of the literature

• Published in: Cancer 1996-04, Vol.77 (8), p.1524-1528
• Main Authors: Washecka, Robert M., Mariani, Albert J., Zuna, Rosemary E., Honda, Stacey A., Chong, Clayton D. K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aneuploidy; Biological and medical sciences; DNA, Neoplasm - analysis; DNA, Neoplasm - genetics; Flow Cytometry; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Male; Male genital diseases; Medical sciences; Microscopy, Electron; Middle Aged; Sarcoma - genetics; Sarcoma - ultrastructure; Testicular Neoplasms - genetics; Testicular Neoplasms - ultrastructure; Tumors
• ISSN: 0008-543X; 1097-0142
• DOI: 10.1002/(SICI)1097-0142(19960415)77:8<1524::AID-CNCR15>3.0.CO;2-1

BACKGROUND Fourteen cases of testicular sarcoma have been reported in the contemporary era. These included 7 cases of rhabdomyosarcoma, 2 spindle cell sarcoma, 2 osteosarcoma, 1 leiomyosarcoma, 1 fibrosarcoma, and 1 chondrosarcoma. METHODS In this report, immunohistochemical stains, electron microscopy, and DNA flow cytometric analysis were performed on primary testicular sarcomas from three patients. RESULTS The patients were age 47, 40, and 33 years. Each presented initially with a testicular mass. The tumors measured 4.8, 4.0, and 4.0 cm in greatest dimension. There were no associated germ cell elements nor elevated alpha‐fetoprotein or beta‐human chorionic gonadotropin. Case 1 was positive for actin, vimentin, and alpha‐1‐chymotrypsin. Case 2 was positive for vimentin but not desmin. Case 3 was positive for desmin and S‐100. Smooth muscle differentiation was identified by electron microscopy. Flow cytometric analysis revealed DNA aneuploidy in all cases: 1.27, 1.29, and 1.71. The 3 patients were alive and well without recurrent disease at 7, 6, and 4 years after diagnosis. Inguinal orchiectomy was the initial treatment in all 17 patients, there was 1 death from metastatic disease and 2 patients with distant metastases. CONCLUSIONS Primary testicular sarcoma is a rare indolent tumor with potential for distant metastases. Two cases of primary testicular leiomyosarcoma and one of unclassified sarcoma of the testis are reported. Cancer 1996; 77:1524‐8.