Pseudoneoplastic lesions of the testis and paratesticular structures

Virchows Arch. 2007 Dec;451(6):987-97. doi: 10.1007/s00428-007-0502-8. Epub 2007 Sep 6.

Abstract

Pseudotumors or tumor-like proliferations (non-neoplastic masses) and benign mimickers (non-neoplastic cellular proliferations) are rare in the testis and paratesticular structures. Clinically, these lesions (cysts, ectopic tissues, and vascular, inflammatory, or hyperplastic lesions) are of great interest for the reason that, because of the topography, they may be relevant as differential diagnoses. The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the pseudoneoplasic entities arising in the testis and paratesticular structures; emphasis is placed on how the practicing pathologist may distinguish benign mimickers and pseudotumors from true neoplasia. These lesions can be classified as macroscopic or microscopic mimickers of neoplasia.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Choristoma / diagnosis
  • Cysts / diagnosis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Epididymitis / diagnosis
  • Granuloma, Plasma Cell / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Orchitis / diagnosis
  • Testicular Diseases / pathology*