Ectasia of the rete testis: Beware of this masquerader

Abstract

Cystic/tubular ectasia of the rete testis is a rare benign entity and must be differentiated from testicular neoplasm. We report a case of bilateral rete testis-associated epididymal cyst in patient with abdominal mass. Scrotal swelling clinically was interpreted as testicular neoplasm.

Ultrasonography of tubular ectasia of the rete testis with associated scrotal findings

“…Testicular neoplasms, intratesticular varicocele, and cystic dysplasia of testis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of TERT [14]. Although almost all malignant tumors of the testis are solid lesions, some of them may have cystic components [15]. The most common cystic malignant tumor of the testis is the teratoma.…”

“…The other malignancy that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of TERT is papillary adenocarcinoma of the rete testis [15]. Diagnosis of papillary adenocarcinoma of the rete testis is based on well-established microscopic findings and histochemical and immunological criteria [17].…”

Cystic Dysplasia of the Rete Testis Accompanying an Inguinal Hernia: A 63-Year-Old Man

“…Cystic lesions of the testis in children are usually thought to be nonobstructive congenital anomalies, whereas 75% of cysts in adults are thought to be of an obsturctive etiology, for example, efferent duct or epididymal obstruction due to an inguinal hernia [ 1 , 9 ]. Cystic ectasis is an acquired disease that can be associated with and occur as a result of mechanical compression of the epididymis or spermatic cord by surgical, traumatic, neoplastic, or infectious processes and ischemic or hormonally induced atrophic alterations in epididymal tubules [ 8 ].…”

Identifying the deceiver: the non-neoplastic mimickers of genital system neoplasms

“…It is rare in young patients and most are over the age of 45 [ 45 ]. Bilateral involvement is not rare and may be seen in approximately 30–70% of patients [ 45 , 46 ]. TERT has been reported in association with previous scrotal surgeries, vasectomy procedure and presence of spermatocele [ 45 ].…”

“…Although its location and imaging findings are typical, it is important to differentiate from semisolid testis malignancies containing cystic degeneration areas that may involve rete testis, such as cystadenocarcinoma of the rete testis [ 46 ]. Caution should be exercised when diagnosing TERT as post-obstructive dilation of the seminiferous tubules may be observed in testicular tumors [ 45 ].…”