Tunica vaginalis testis metastasis as the first clinical manifestation of pancreatic adenocarcinoma: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND Metastases from pancreas or ampullary malignancies are common, but the spread to testicle and paratesticular tissue is exceedingly rare. To the best of our knowledge, fewer than 30 cases have been reported in the literature. More rarely, metastasis to tunica vaginalis testis occurs without involvement of the testes and epididymis. CASE SUMMARY A 65-year-old male who complained of painless swelling of the left scrotum for over 1 wk was referred to the Department of Urology. Scrotal ultrasound showed left testicular hydrocele with paratesticular masses. Chest computed tomography revealed lung metastasis and enlarged left supraclavicular lymph node.The blood tumor markersalpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin, and serum lactate dehydrogenase were withinnormal limits.The preoperative diagnosis was left testicular tumor with lung metastasis. Then radical orchidectomy of the left testicle and high ligation of the spermatic cord were performed, and postoperative histopathology suggested metastatic tumors that was confirmed by an abdominal computed tomographic scan. The positive computed tomography findings, in conjunction with the expression of cytokeratin 7 (CK7), CK20, CK5/6, and absence of expression of Wilms’ tumor suppressor gene 1, calretinin, melanocyte, prostate-specific antigen, thyroid transcription factor-1, GATA binding protein 3, caudal type homeobox 2, and napsinA supported the diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The outcome of this patient was unsatisfactory, and he died 3 mo later. CONCLUSION This case suggests that pancreatic metastatic carcinoma must be considered in the differential diagnosis of scrotal enlargement. The advanced age of the patient wassuggestive of a secondary testicular tumor.In addition, careful physical examination and ultrasonography as well as radiological examination have become a standard modality.

Rare case of pancreatic adenocarcinoma with spermatic cord and testicular metastasis

“…Among the 15 cases, 8 and 7 patients’ carcinoma, respectively, originated from the pancreatic tail and from the pancreatic head or ampulla. 11 …”

“…Among the 15 cases, 8 and 7 patients' carcinoma, respectively, originated from the pancreatic tail and from the pancreatic head or ampulla. 11 The underlying path of pancreatic tumour metastasis to the scrotum remains unknown, although several studies have proposed local invasion of adjacent organs by pancreatic cancer, implicating their vasculature in pseudoaneurysms and subsequent distant hematogenous metastasis. [12][13][14] Other studies have proposed lymph node metastasis or direct transperitoneal seeding from peritoneal carcinomatosis through the tunica vaginalis.…”

“…The incidence of metastasis to the right and left testes from pancreatic cancer was the same. Among the 15 cases, 8 and 7 patients’ carcinoma, respectively, originated from the pancreatic tail and from the pancreatic head or ampulla 11…”