Male Pathology - Testis Flashcards
(38 cards)


What is cryptorchidism?
When one or both testes do not descend properly into the scrotum
hCG dependent process
May be found in the inguinal canal, the upper scrotum, or within the abdomen
Infertility is the most frequent complication
Germ cell tumors 4-10 times more likely
What are some common causes of epididymitis?
UTI (>35)
STI (<35)
Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, TB, E coli, Pseudomonas
What sign is positive with epidiymitis?
Prehn’s sign
Elevation of the scrotum decreases pain
What are some common causes of orchitis?

Acute Epidiymitis
Twisting of the spermatic cord that cutts off the venous/arterial blood supply
Torsion of the Testis
What are some predisposing factors to torsion of the testes?
Violent movement or physical trauma (most common)
Cryptorchid testis
Atrophy of testis
What are some clinical findings with torsion of the testis?
Sudden onset testicular pain
Negative Prehn’s sign
Needs surgery to prevent hemorrhagic infaction of the testis
Risk factors for testicular cancer
What are the three types of intratubular germ cell neoplasias?
Seminoma (40%, age 40s)
Mixed (30%)
Non-seminomatous (30%) – Embryonal ca., yolk sac tumor, choriocarcinoma, teratoma (mature or immature) age 20-30s
What percent of patients with ITGCN develop an invasive germ cell tumor within 7 years?
>70%
Involvement is pathy and 40% are bilateral
Two 3mm testicular biopsies will identify the majority of patients with ITGCN.
Spermatogenesis is absent in involved tubules - cells are atypical with nuclear enlargement and large nucleoi
DNA content is aneuploid; contains isochromosome 12p, like seminoma

Red - Sertoli
Germ cells - Dark red

ITGCN
Sertoli cells (red)
Germ cells (dark red)

Seminoma
Mean patient age 40s
Arranged in solid nests separated by fibrous septa; lymphoid infiltrate

Seminoma cells (almost whole area)
Vessel - invaded with seminoma cells
“Square” nuclear contours due to molding
Markers for Seminoma
a-fetoprotein (AFP): usually normal
B-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG): can be elevated
What are non-seminomatous germ cell tumors sensitive to?
They are chemosensitive but not radiosensitivity
What are the 4 types of non-seminomatous germ cell tumors?
Embryonal carcinoma
Yolk sac tumor
Choriocarcinoma
Teratoma (mature and immature)

Embryonal carcinoma
Age 20-30s
Fleshy gray-white tumor with prominent necrosis
There is a solid pattern of embryonal carcinoma, which can simulate seminoma

Cells of embryonal carcinoma are large with vesicular nuclei, prominent nucleoli, glandular structures
2nd most common germ cell tumor
Metastases in up to 40%
Serum AFP is normal
B-hCG is elevated in 60% of cases
Most common germ cell tumor in infants/children - 90% are cured by orchiectomy
In adults – component of mixed germ cell tumor
Yolk Sac Tumor (endoermal sinus tumor)
Main tumor marker = elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
White to tan masses with myxoid and cystic changes







