Cholesterol granuloma of hydrocele sac mimicking testicular tumour

Abstract

Cholesterol granuloma is a rare inflammatory granulation tissue that occurs in response to the deposition of cholesterol crystals. It is found most commonly in the paranasal sinuses or temporal bones, but there are also rare reports of their occurrence in other sites also. Here we report a rare case of cholesterol granuloma of hydrocele sac in a 59 year old man who presented with non tender right scrotal swelling. Patient was operated for vaginal hydrocele which on histopathological examination revealed cholesterol granuloma which is very rare in these sites. It can be very difficult to preoperatively distinguish testicular tumours from cholesterol granulomas of the testis or epididymis. Therefore, cholesterol granuloma should be kept in mind in patients with large and non-tender scrotal masses.