Abstract

Objective: Paratesticular tumors, which comprise a heterogeneous group of entities, are often described in case reports in the literature. In this study, we present the histomorphological, immunohistochemical and clinical features of six paratesticular sarcoma cases.  

Material and methods: Six paratesticular sarcoma cases diagnosed in our hospital between 1997 and 2012 were included in this study. Information regarding treatment modalities, tumor recurrence, metastasis, and survival data were obtained from archival patient records. Hematoxylin-eosin sections were examined, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed for smooth muscle actin, desmin, Ki67, CD34, S100 and myogenin. Five high-power fields were counted to document Ki67 and p53 nuclear positivity rates.

Results: Of the 6 paratesticular sarcoma cases, 3 were rhabdomyosarcomas, 2 were leiomyosarcomas and 1 was liposarcoma. The sclerotic-type liposarcoma case showed two recurrences in the 15-year follow-up period. The two leiomyosarcoma cases presented with lung metastases at the time of diagnosis, and 1 patient died of the disease at 7th month. Of the 3 rhabdomyosarcoma cases, 2 patients did not follow up after their operations. The other patient presented with liver and pre¬vertebral metastasis in the 3rd month and died of the disease in the 14th month. The Ki67 proliferation index was significantly higher for 1 rhabdomyosarcoma case and 2 leiomyosarcoma cases. Differences in p53 expression were not statistically significant between the cases.

Conclusion: Paratesticular tumors are a heterogeneous group of tumors that can follow different clinical courses. This study showed that the most important features in determining prognosis are histopathological subtype and tumor grade.