Management of Metastatic Paratesticular Tumour in a Resource‑Poor Setting

Abstract

Paratesticular tumours are tumours that arise from the testicular tunics, spermatic cord, epididymis, or vestigial remnants. The tumours are rare and account for approximately 5% of intrascrotal neoplasms. About 75% of these tumours arise from the spermatic cord. Paratesticular tumours most commonly manifest as painless scrotal masses. Alternatively, the tumour may be incidentally noticed when a scrotal ultrasound scan is done for another intrascrotal pathology such as hydrocele, inguinoscrotal hernia, epididymo‑orchitis, or suspected testicular tumour. We present a case of metastatic paratesticular tumour in a 21‑year‑old Nigerian male, who presented at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku‑Ozalla, Enugu, in September 2018 at the age of 19 years with a painless right hemiscrotal mass. The patient was clinically evaluated with scrotal ultrasonography, testicular tumour markers, and liver function test. Biopsy specimen obtained was ignorantly discarded by the patient who was subsequently lost to follow‑up. Histologic diagnosis of mesenchymal tumour (myxoid liposarcoma) was made two years after his initial presentation when he developed both inguinal and retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis at the age of 21 years. He was evaluated as clinical stage IV disease and then commenced on chemotherapy after baseline investigations. Our objective of presenting this report is to highlight the effect of delayed diagnosis in the management outcome, challenges in the provision of resources in low‑ and middle‑income countries, and to emphasise the rarity of the tumour in our subregion.