Clear cell mesothelioma of the testis with deciduoid areas–a case report
Friday, November 25th, 2005.
Indian Journal of Pathological Microbiology. 2004 Oct;47(4):544-6. [Link]
Mishra A, Shet T.
Department of Pathology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai Maharashtra.
Abstract
We report a clear cell type of primary purely epithelial malignant mesothelioma with focal deciduoid features in the para-testis of a 75 year old man. This variant requires ancillary studies like immunohistochemistry for confirmation. Awareness of this variant is required to avoid misdiagnosis and treatment as either metastasis from a renal cell carcinoma or as a germ cell tumor. A diagnosis of mesothelioma must be ruled out in elderly patients with epithelial-looking tumor especially if the serum germ cell tumor markers are within normal range.
Glossary
- metastasis
- (meh-tas-teh-sis) the spread of cancer cells to distant areas of the body by way of the lymph system or bloodstream.
- diagnosis
- identifying a disease by its signs or symptoms, and by using imaging procedures and laboratory findings. The earlier a diagnosis of cancer is made, the better the chance for long-term survival.
- cell
- the basic unit of which all living things are made. Cells replace themselves by splitting and forming new cells (mitosis). The processes that control the formation of new cells and the death of old cells are disrupted in cancer.
- carcinoma
- (car-sin-o-ma) a malignant tumor that begins in the lining layer (epithelial cells) of organs. At least 80% of all cancers are carcinomas.
- tumor
- an abnormal lump or mass of tissue. Tumors can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
- mesothelioma
- a tumor derived from mesothelial tissue, such as the peritoneum (lining the abdomen) or pleura (lining the lungs). More on mesothelioma.
