Testicular tumors with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

Genetic Testing and Screening Recommendations for Patients with Hereditary Breast Cancer

Professionals who specialize in breast imaging may be the first to initiate the conversation about genetic counseling with patients who have a diagnosis of premenopausal breast cancer or a strong family history of breast and ovarian cancer. Commercial genetic testing panels have gained popularity and have become more affordable in recent years. Therefore, it is imperative for radiologists to be able to provide counseling and to identify those patients who should be referred for genetic testing. The authors review the process of genetic counseling and the associated screening recommendations for patients at high and moderate risk. Ultimately, genetic test results enable appropriate patient-specific screening, which allows improvement of overall survival by early detection and timely treatment. The authors discuss pretest counseling, which involves the use of various breast cancer risk assessment tools such as the Gail and Tyrer-Cuzick models. The most common high- and moderate-risk gene mutations associated with breast cancer are also reviewed. In addition to BRCA1 and BRCA2, several high-risk genes, including TP53, PTEN, CDH1, and STK11, are discussed. Moderate-risk genes include ATM, CHEK2, and PALB2. The imaging appearances of breast cancer typically associated with each gene mutation, as well as the other associated cancers, are described. ^©RSNA, 2020 See discussion on this article by Butler (pp 937-940).

Possible hints and pitfalls in diagnosing Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

Background Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is characterized by gastrointestinal polyposis, mucocutaneous pigmentation and cancer predisposition. Patients with PJS can develop large calcifying Sertoli cell tumors (LCSTs). Case presentation A patient presented at 3 years of age with delayed development, hypermobility and later also with tall stature and advanced bone age. Extensive endocrine evaluation, mutation analysis of genes associated with connective tissue disorders and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array showed no abnormalities. At 8 years of age, gynecomastia developed as well as pigmentations on the lips, both of which are associated with PJS. Mutation analysis showed a heterozygous deletion of the whole STK11 gene confirming PJS. Testicular ultrasound confirmed the presence of LCSTs. Interestingly, the previously performed SNP array did not report deletion of the STK11 gene. Conclusions We advise excluding LCSTs in children with tall stature and advanced bone age where more common causes have been eliminated. Although STK11 deletions are documented in control databases, reporting the deletion of this gene even in the absence of a phenotype is advised for patient management.

Response to Anastrozole Treatment in a Case with Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome and a Large Cell Calcifying Sertoli Cell Tumor

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait characterized by multiple gastrointestinal hamartomatous polyps, mucocutaneous pigmentation, and an increased risk of neoplasm. Large-cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumor (LCCSCT) is a kind of sex cord-stromal tumor which may co-exist with PJS and which is characterized radiologically by calcification foci within the testes. Surgical treatment options for this tumor range from testis-preserving surgery to radical orchiectomy. Not with standing this invasive approach, recently, there are some case reports demonstrating the efficacy of aromatase inhibitors in avoiding orchiectomy and its associated complications. In this paper, we have presented a LCCSCT case diagnosed in a boy with PJS and his response to anastrozole treatment.

Intratubular Large Cell Hyalinizing Sertoli Cell Tumor of the Testes in a 4-Year-Old Male With Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder that typically displays familial inheritance. Gastrointestinal polyposis and cutaneous pigmentation is a classic presentation of this syndrome. The reported lifetime cumulative cancer risk in PJS patients is >76% when compared with the general public with females affected more often than males. The prepubertal testicular tumor registry found Sertoli cell tumors (SCTs) to compose approximately 1% of all pediatric solid tumors. Prepubertal testicular masses are relatively rare. Only a small number of SCT cases have been reported in the first decade of life. The concurrence of PJS and feminizing SCTs of the testes is an increasingly recognized cause of prepubertal gynecomastia. The testicular lesions observed in patients with PJS primarily represent multifocal intratubular large cell hyalinizing SCTs with a distinct morphology that differs from large cell calcifying SCTs and sex cord tumors with annular tubules. Here, we describe the diagnosis and treatment course of a 4-year-old male with a SCT of the testes and diagnosis of PJS.

Myoid gonadal stromal tumor: a clinicopathologic study of three cases of a distinctive testicular tumor

OBJECTIVES

To report three new cases of testicular myoid gonadal stromal tumor to better characterize its features.

METHODS

The clinicopathologic findings (including follow-up) were evaluated and a review of the literature was performed.

RESULTS

The patients were 38, 43, and 59 years old, and tumor sizes were 1.2, 1.3, and 3.2 cm. All were unilateral, well circumscribed, adjacent to the rete testis, and composed exclusively of spindled cells with elongated nuclei and occasional nuclear grooves arranged in fascicles with admixed variably ectatic blood vessels. Nucleoli were inconspicuous, and the cytoplasm was scant, ill-defined, and pale/lightly eosinophilic. No sex cord component was present. Mitotic figures ranged from zero to five per 10 high-power fields. Significant atypia, lymphovascular invasion, and necrosis were absent. All were consistently positive for smooth muscle actin, S100 protein, FOXL2, and steroidogenic factor 1 but negative for h-caldesmon, calretinin, and SOX9. Inhibin and calponin were focally positive. All patients were alive and well at 5, 31, and 58 months postorchiectomy. Combining our cases with those previously reported (n = 6) shows that this neoplasm occurs mostly in younger men (mean, 37 years), and all follow-up thus far (mean, 25 months) has been benign.

CONCLUSIONS

Myoid gonadal stromal tumors are small (<4 cm) indolent testicular tumors distinctly different from other sex cord-stromal tumors and are adequately managed by orchiectomy.

Screening for cancerous and precancerous conditions of the colon

Five points for the primary care physician: 1. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in both men and women in the United States. 2. Guidelines recommend initiating CRC screening in average-risk patients at age 50 years, but in African Americans at age 45 years. 3. It is preferred that an informed decision is made by the patient with the help of their clinician about the type of screening test based on the patient's personal preferences. 4. Patients with personal history of chronic ulcerative colitis and Crohn colitis have significant cancer risk 8 years after the onset of pancolitis or 12 to 15 years after the onset of left-sided colitis. Colonoscopy every 1 to 2 years should be performed, with biopsies for dysplasia. 5. Counseling to consider genetic testing and early screening recommendations for those with personal or family history of familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer.

Hereditary colon cancer syndromes

Colon cancer is associated with a family history in up to 25% of cases. As many as 5% are associated with an established hereditary syndrome, demonstrating the profound influence of inheritable genetic mechanisms in the development of this disease. These syndromes confer a diverse spectrum of risk, age of presentation, endoscopic and histological findings, extracolonic manifestations, and modes of inheritance. As the molecular characteristics of these disorders become better described, enhanced genotype-phenotype correlations may offer a more targeted approach to diagnosis, screening, and surveillance. While the strategies for diagnosis and management of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome are more established, the approach to newly recognized syndromes such as MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP) and hyperplastic polyposis syndromes continues to evolve. Effective cancer prevention in affected individuals and at-risk family members first requires timely recognition of these hereditary colon cancer syndromes followed by integration of genetic testing and clinical examinations.

Teasing out the role of aromatase in the healthy and diseased testis

Scientific discoveries over the past decade have shifted the stereotypical view of androgens as male hormones and estrogens as female hormones. It is now recognized that a delicate balance of both androgens and estrogens, a process controlled by aromatase, is fundamental for normal testicular development and fertility. While the site-specific actions of these two classes of steroids within the testis are becoming better documented, the role and regulation of estrogen biosynthesis by aromatase within the testis remains unclear. The majority of data comes from a wide range of animal species, particularly genetically modified mouse models; aromatase knockout (ArKO) and overexpressing (AROM(+)), with limited information on humans, however the existence of congenital aromatase mutations has provided some insight into its effects on individual parameters of the testis. This review dissects out the localization and activity of aromatase in the healthy and diseased testis, addresses the cellular insult to the testis that occurs in its absence and over abundance and proposes potential molecular mechanisms of aromatase regulation in the testis.

Novel mutations in the STK11 gene in Thai patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS), a rare autosomal dominant inherited disorder, is characterized by hamartomatous gastrointestinal polyps and mucocutaneous pigmentation. Patients with this syndrome have a predisposition to a variety of cancers in multiple organs. Mutations in the serine/threonine kinase 11 (STK11) gene have been identified as a major cause of PJS. Here we present the clinical and molecular findings of two unrelated Thai individuals with PJS. Mutation analysis by Polymerase Chain Reaction-sequencing of the entire coding region of STK11 revealed two potentially pathogenic mutations. One harbored a single nucleotide deletion (c.182delG) in exon 1 resulting in a frameshift leading to premature termination at codon 63 (p.Gly61AlafsX63). The other carried an in-frame 9-base-pair (bp) deletion in exon 7, c.907_915del9 (p.Ile303_Gln305del). Both deletions were de novo and have never been previously described. This study has expanded the genotypic spectrum of the STK11 gene.

Mutations in STK11 gene in Czech Peutz-Jeghers patients

Background

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is an autosomal dominant hereditary disease characterized by mucocutaneous pigmentation and gastrointestinal hamartomatous polyposis. The germline mutations in the serine/threonine kinase 11 (STK11) gene have been shown to be associated with the disease. Individuals with PJS are at increased risk for development of various neoplasms. The aim of the present study was to characterize the genotype and phenotype of Czech patients with PJS.

Methods

We examined genomic DNA of 8 individuals from five Czech families by sequencing analysis of STK11 gene, covering its promotor region, the entire coding region and the splice-site boundaries, and by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) assay designed for the identification of large exonic deletions or duplications of STK11 gene.

Results

We found pathogenic mutations in STK11 gene in two families fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of PJS and in one of three sporadic cases not complying with the criteria. The patient with the frameshift mutation in STK11 gene developed aggressive gastric cancer. No other studied proband has developed a carcinoma so far.

Conclusion

Our results showed that a germline mutation of STK11 gene can be found not only in probands fulfilling the PJS diagnostic criteria, but also in some sporadic cases not complying with the criteria. Moreover, we observed a new case of aggressive gastric cancer in a young patient with a frameshift mutation of STK11 gene.

Benign and Malignant Neoplasms of the Testis and Paratesticular Tissue

Benign and malignant tumors of the testes and paratesticular tissues present an interesting spectrum of diagnostic entities often encountered in routine surgical pathology practice. Germ cell tumors are the most common tumors of the testes and, despite a rising incidence, have excellent prognosis because of their radiosensitivity and/or effective chemotherapeutic agents. The proper classification of these tumors aids in the choice of appropriate treatment options. This article reviews benign and malignant neoplastic entities of the testes and paratesticular tissues and illustrates the classic pathologic characteristics. The differential diagnosis, along with ancillary studies, clinical significance, and presentation are discussed also.

Hamartomatous polyposis syndromes

Since the histologic description of the hamartomatous polyp in 1957 by Horrilleno and colleagues, descriptions have appeared of several different syndromes with the propensity to develop these polyps in the upper and lower gastrointestinal tracts. These syndromes include juvenile polyposis, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, hereditary mixed polyposis syndrome, and the phosphatase and tensin homolog gene (PTEN) hamartoma tumor syndromes (Cowden and Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndromes), which are autosomal-dominantly inherited, and Cronkhite-Canada syndrome, which is acquired. This article reviews the clinical aspects, the molecular pathogenesis, the affected organ systems, the risks of cancer, and the management of these hamartomatous polyposis syndromes. Although the incidence of these syndromes is low, it is important for clinicians to recognize these disorders to prevent morbidity and mortality in these patients, and to perform presymptomatic testing in patients at risk.

Intratubular large cell hyalinizing sertoli cell neoplasia of the testis: a report of 8 cases of a distinctive lesion of the Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

We report the clinical and pathologic features of 8 boys with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome who had distinctive testicular lesions. The patients were 4 to 13 years of age (mean, 6.5 y), and all had gynecomastia, which was the presenting feature in 7. Physical examination demonstrated bilateral testicular enlargement in the absence of a discrete mass. Advanced bone age and elevated serum estradiol were demonstrated in 3 and 4 cases, respectively. Testicular biopsy, performed in all cases, usually showed no gross abnormality, but on microscopic examination there were patchily distributed clusters of expanded seminiferous tubules that contained large Sertoli cells with vacuolated to eosinophilic cytoplasm admixed with globular deposits of basement membrane that extended from a thickened peritubular basement membrane. Small, focal calcifications occurred in 3 cases; no invasive tumor was present in any of the cases. Follow-up was available in 5 patients after biopsy, and none showed evidence of progression at 10 months to 5 years (median, 4 y). Review of the previously reported cases of testicular lesions in Peutz-Jeghers patients verified a low frequency of invasive tumors (27%) and no known case with metastasis. The testicular lesions seen in patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome mostly represent multifocal intratubular neoplasia of large Sertoli cells with unique morphology distinct from other lesions such as the large cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumor and sex cord tumor with annular tubules. The process usually remains confined to the tubules for prolonged intervals (years), but it may occasionally progress to invasive large cell Sertoli cell tumors with or without associated calcification. This indolent course justifies management by careful follow-up, including ultrasound examination, rather than orchiectomy in the majority of cases. Orchiectomy is indicated when there is evidence of an invasive tumor and may be necessary to control hormonal manifestations.

Frequency and spectrum of cancers in the Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

BACKGROUND

Although an increased cancer risk in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is established, data on the spectrum of tumors associated with the disease and the influence of germ-line STK11/LKB1 (serine/threonine kinase) mutation status are limited.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We analyzed the incidence of cancer in 419 individuals with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, and 297 had documented STK11/LKB1 mutations.

RESULTS

Ninety-six cancers were found among individuals with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. The risk for developing cancer at ages 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 years was 2%, 5%, 17%, 31%, 60%, and 85%, respectively. The most common cancers represented in this analysis were gastrointestinal in origin, gastroesophageal, small bowel, colorectal, and pancreatic, and the risk for these cancers at ages 30, 40, 50, and 60 years was 1%, 9%, 15%, and 33%, respectively. In women with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, the risk of breast cancer was substantially increased, being 8% and 31% at ages 40 and 60 years, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that cancer risks were similar in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome patients with identified STK11/LKB1 mutations and those with no detectable mutation (log-rank test of difference chi2 = 0.62; 1 df; P = 0.43). Furthermore, the type or site of STK11/LKB1 mutation did not significantly influence cancer risk.

CONCLUSIONS

The results from our study provide quantitative information on the spectrum of cancers and risks of specific cancer types associated with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.

Sertoli cell tumor causing prepubertal gynecomastia in a boy with peutz-jeghers syndrome: the outcome of 1-year treatment with the aromatase inhibitor testolactone

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare disorder characterized by benign intestinal hamartomatous polyps and mucocutaneous pigmentation, and with an increased risk for intestinal and extra-intestinal neoplasms. Sertoli cell tumors in boys with PJS have been increasingly recognized as a cause of prepubertal gynecomastia. However, an association between nephrocalcinosis and PJS has not been reported before. We report on a 7.25-year-old boy with PJS, bilateral gynecomastia, Sertoli cell tumor and nephrocalcinosis, and present the outcome of 1-year treatment with the aromatase inhibitor testolactone. The patient presented with bilateral breast and testis enlargement, and mucocutaneous pigmentation. Testicular ultrasound revealed parenchymal multiple microcalcifications. Histopathological examination was consistent with Sertoli cell tumors. Nephrocalcinosis due to idiopathic renal hypercalciuria was also detected. The aromatase inhibitor testolactone was begun in an attempt to prevent acceleration in skeletal maturation. One-year treatment with testolactone reduced the breast base diameter from 7 to 3 cm, and bone age advanced 1.2 years during this period. Our case demonstrates that waiting for the effect of aromatase inhibitors on gynecomastia before making a decision for mastectomy may be a reasonable option. We also consider that the association between PJS and nephrocalcinosis may be a coincidence.

Genetics of hereditary colorectal cancer

Genetic factors can dramatically influence the risk of colorectal cancer, and the molecular bases of many hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes, including familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), attenuated FAP (AFAP), and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) have been elucidated. Additional syndromes continue to be defined as new genes, including MYH , are linked to the development of colonic polyps and cancer. The risks of colorectal cancer are variable and depend on the specific germline alterations. Some mutations are associated with a 100% lifetime risk of developing cancer, while others are associated with only a mild increase in risk. Although there are overlapping clinical features in many of these syndromes, they can be distinguished by the age at cancer diagnosis, inheritance pattern, number and distribution of polyps, specific histologic features of the cancers, and the presence of distinctive extracolonic features. The introduction and refinement of genetic testing has provided a new and invaluable tool for the diagnosis and assessment of cancer risk for suspected cases of hereditary colon cancer.

Hereditary cancer syndromes of the skin

Hereditary cancer syndromes are a group of disorders characterized by a genetic susceptibility to the development of malignant tumors. Multiple cancers in the family or an abnormally early onset for the given cancer may suggest an underlying inherited predisposition. Awareness of their associated dermatologic manifestations can facilitate early detection of risk for neoplasms. This article provides an update on the clinical features, diagnostic criteria, and the use of genetic analysis in the detection of causative mutations of those hereditary cancer syndromes with cutaneous manifestations.

Gastrointestinal polyposis syndromes

Numerous polyposis syndromes involve the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including both non-hereditary and hereditary types. Causative genes are now known for the seven major syndromes. Genetic and clinicopathologic features are reviewed here and cancer predisposition is emphasized. Genetic testing is available for the GI polyposis syndromes, and can be accessed through GeneTests-GeneClinics on the Internet at http://www.genetests.org/. The website is available at no cost and is a publicly funded medical genetics resource for health care providers and researchers.

Further observations on LKB1/STK11 status and cancer risk in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

Germline mutations in the LKB1/STK11 tumour suppressor gene cause Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS), a rare dominant disorder. In addition to typical hamartomatous gastrointestinal polyps and pigmented perioral lesions, PJS is associated with an increased risk of tumours at multiple sites. Follow-up information on carriers is limited and genetic heterogeneity makes counselling and management in PJS difficult. Here we report the analysis of the LKB1/STK11 locus in a series of 33 PJS families, and estimation of cancer risks in carriers and noncarriers. Germline mutations of LKB1/STK11 were identified in 52% of cases. This observation reinforces the hypothesis of a second PJS locus. In carriers of LKB1/STK11 mutations, the risk of cancer was markedly elevated. The risk of developing any cancer in carriers by age 65 years was 47% (95% CI: 27-73%) with elevated risks of both gastrointestinal and breast cancer. PJS with germline mutations in LKB1/STK11 are at a very high relative and absolute risk of multiple gastrointestinal and nongastrointestinal cancers. To obtain precise estimates of risk associated with PJS requires further studies of genotype-phenotype especially with respect to LKB1/STK11 negative cases, as this group is likely to be heterogeneous.

Estrogen excess associated with novel gain-of-function mutations affecting the aromatase gene

BACKGROUND

Gynecomastia of prepubertal onset may result from increased estrogen owing to excessive aromatase activity in extraglandular tissues. A gene in chromosome 15q21.2 encodes aromatase, the key enzyme for estrogen biosynthesis. Several physiologic tissue-specific promoters regulate the expression of aromatase, giving rise to messenger RNA (mRNA) species with an identical coding region but tissue-specific 5'-untranslated regions in placenta, gonads, brain, fat, and skin.

METHODS

We studied skin, fat, and blood samples from a 36-year-old man, his 7-year-old son, and an unrelated 17-year-old boy with severe gynecomastia of prepubertal onset and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism caused by elevated estrogen levels.

RESULTS

Aromatase activity and mRNA levels in fat and skin and whole-body aromatization of androstenedione were severely elevated. Treatment with an aromatase inhibitor decreased serum estrogen levels and normalized gonadotropin and testosterone levels. The 5'-untranslated regions of aromatase mRNA contained the same sequence (FLJ) in the father and son and another sequence (TMOD3) in the unrelated boy; neither sequence was found in control subjects. These 5'-untranslated regions normally make up the first exons of two ubiquitously expressed genes clustered in chromosome 15q21.2-3 in the following order (from telomere to centromere): FLJ, TMOD3, and aromatase. The aromatase gene is normally transcribed in the direction opposite to that of TMOD3 and FLJ. Two distinct heterozygous inversions reversed the direction of the TMOD3 or FLJ promoter in the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Heterozygous inversions in chromosome 15q21.2-3, which caused the coding region of the aromatase gene to lie adjacent to constitutively active cryptic promoters that normally transcribe other genes, resulted in severe estrogen excess owing to the overexpression of aromatase in many tissues.

[Intussusception of the small intestine due to Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: a case report and review of the literature]

One case of small bowel's intussuception has been found in one patient with abdominal pains. Since 13 years this patient has a Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. A resection of the small bowel has been performed followed by total intraoperative enteroscopy. Besides small bowel, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome can affect many organs with an increased risk for cancer for patients affected by this genetic disease.

Mutation analysis of the STK11/LKB1 gene and clinical characteristics of an Australian series of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome patients

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare cancer predisposition, which is characterized by the presence of hamartomatous polyposis and mucocutaneous pigmentation. A significant proportion of both familial and sporadic forms of this disorder are associated with mutations in the STK11 (serine/threonine kinase 11)/LKB1 gene. In this report we present a series of Australian PJS cases, which suggest that mutations in the STK11 gene do not account for many families or patients without a family history. The most likely explanation is either the presence of another susceptibility gene or genetic mosaicism in the non-familial patients.

Feminizing Sertoli cell tumor associated with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the association of mucocutaneous pigmentation and multiple gastrointestinal hamartomatous polyps and with an increased risk of developing gonadal sex tumors besides other malignancies. We describe a 7 1/2 year-old boy with PJS and bilateral gynecomastia. He has had buccal pigmentation since 1.5 years and had been operated for rectal polyp excision at 3.5 years. On physical examination, his height was at the 90th percentile, and his height age and bone age were 9 and 10 1/2 years, respectively. Increased melanotic buccal pigmentation of the lips and bilateral gynecomastia were noticed. Both of the testes were firm, non-tender and smooth on the surface, and each measured 8 ml. Hormonal measurements were all in the prepubertal range. Testis ultrasonography showed bilateral hyperechogenic areas within the glands. When he was operated for invagination and an ileum segment full of polyps was resected, bilateral testicular biopsies were also performed. Histopathological evaluation of the testes revealed bilateral multicentric benign Sertoli cell tumors. The aromatase inhibitor testolactone was started to slow skeletal maturation. On the basis of this and previous reports, PJS associated with sex-cord tumors is increasingly recognized in males as well as in females.

Sertoli cell proliferations of the infantile testis: an intratubular form of Sertoli cell tumor?

We report on six boys with intratubular Sertoli cell proliferations (ISCPs), studied by routine histologic methods, electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry of anti-müllerian hormone (AMH), inhibin alpha-subunit, 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD), proliferative cellular nuclear antigen, and p53, and carefully followed for extended periods with periodic clinical examinations, testicular ultrasonographies, and determinations of serum levels of AMH and inhibin B. Peutz-Jeghers syndrome was found in four of six patients, and gynecomastia occurred in five of six patients. One boy had isosexual pseudoprecocity. ISCPs were observed as multiple foci of seminiferous tubules with large and proliferated Sertoli cells replacing germ cells and limited by the basement membrane. Mitotic figures, atypia, and/or interstitial invasion were not observed. Bilateral ISCPs were the only pathologic finding in three patients (patient nos. 1-3) and were associated with a microscopic tumor that resembled a large-cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumor (LCCSCT) in a fourth patient (patient no. 4). In the two remaining patients (patient nos. 5 and 6) ISCPs and LCCSCT were found in both testes. Ultrastructural examination showed large Sertoli cells, with round nuclei, sparse organelles, and some glycogen. Inhibin alpha-subunit immunolocalization was positive in the five patients in whom it was determined (patient nos. 2-6), AMH was positive in those ISCPs associated with tumors (patient nos. 4-6) and negative in isolated ISCPs (patient nos. 2 and 3); 3beta-HSD and PCNA were variable, and p53 was negative in all ISCPs. Patient nos. 1-4 have been followed for 2-19 years. One of them is currently entering puberty, the other two have already completed puberty and have testes of normal size, and the remaining one is an adult with clinically normal testes and sperm production. None of these patients had evidence of tumor development during follow-up as shown by serial ultrasonographies and serum levels of AMH and inhibin B. Patient nos. 5 and 6 who had bilateral ISCPs and LCCSCT were orchidectomized and evolved for 2-10 years after surgery without tumor recurrence. The prognostic significance of ISCPs, particularly when they are the only pathologic finding in a testicular biopsy, is a matter of controversy. Based on the long normal evolution, we recommend a conservative approach to therapy. The bilateral and multicentric character of ISCPs and their association with Sertoli tumors and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome suggest that they represent either proliferative lesions with tumorigenic potential or the intraepithelial stage in the evolution of some testicular Sertoli cell tumors.

Very high risk of cancer in familial Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is an autosomal dominant polyposis disorder with increased risk of multiple cancers, but literature estimates of risk vary.

METHODS

We performed an individual patient meta-analysis to determine the relative risk (RR) of cancer in patients with PJS compared with the general population based on 210 individuals described in 6 publications.

RESULTS

For patients with PJS, the RR for all cancers was 15.2 (95% confidence limits [CL], 2, 19). A statistically significant increase of RR was noted for esophagus (57; CL, 2.5, 557), stomach (213; CL, 96, 368), small intestine (520; CL, 220, 1306), colon (84; CL, 47, 137), pancreas (132; CL, 44, 261), lung (17.0; CL, 5.4, 39), breast (15.2; CL, 7.6, 27), uterus (16.0; CL, 1.9, 56), ovary (27; CL, 7.3, 68), but not testicular or cervical malignancies. Cumulative risk for all cancer was 93% from age 15 to 64 years old.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with PJS are at very high relative and absolute risk for gastrointestinal and nongastrointestinal cancers.

The spectrum of Sertoli cell tumors in children

The spectrum of Sertoli cell tumors in children covers a wide range of testis and ovarian tumors classified as sex cord-stromal tumors. Sertoli cell tumor of the testis is extremely rare in the pediatric population. The American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Urology Prepubertal Testicular Tumor Registry has reported a total of six cases of Sertoli cell tumor of the testis, accounting for 1.3% of the 430 cases reported to the registry as of October 1996. Despite their rarity, Sertoli cell variants of sex cord-stromal tumors have generated keen interest because of their variable histologic appearance and biologic behavior, including endocrine activity. Because sex cord-stromal tumors occur in the ovary and testis, a primitive cellular origin to these tumors is likely in males and females.

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is an unusual polyposis syndrome that has enjoyed a rich and somewhat confusing history. Mucocutaneous pigmentation and diffuse gastrointestinal hamartomas are the hallmark features of this autosomal dominant inherited condition. Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is now also recognized as a cancer predisposition syndrome. In this review, we highlight the historical aspects of PJS polyposis with special emphasis on its extraintestinal manifestations, particularly genital tract tumors. A PJS management scheme for clinicians is included.

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: risks of a hereditary condition

BACKGROUND

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare autosomal-dominant disorder characterized by hamartomatous polyposis of the gastrointestinal tract and melanin pigmentation of the skin and mucous membranes. We review the clinical features of PJS with special emphasis on the risks for its gene carriers.

METHODS

Review of the literature.

RESULTS

Risks imposed by the presence of polyps in PJS patients include surgical emergencies like small bowel intussusception, and chronic or acute bleeding from the polyps. As the polyps in PJS are hamartomas, the disease had in the past always been thought not to have malignant potential. However, more and more reports suggest an association of PJS with both gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal tumours. Whether these malignancies originate from the polyps is not clear, but the frequent occurrence of some rare extra-intestinal malignancies such as tumours of the ovary (sex cord tumours with annular tubules), cervix (adenoma malignum) and testis (Sertoli cell tumours) indicates a general susceptibility for the development of malignancies. The PJS gene, which was recently identified to encode for the serine threonine kinase STK11, is therefore thought to act as a tumour-suppressor gene.

CONCLUSIONS

PJS gene carriers not only run risks of polyp-induced gastrointestinal complications, but also are at increased risk of developing cancer, both within and outside the gastrointestinal tract. As genetic identification of asymptomatic gene carriers in this relatively rare disorder becomes possible, surveillance and screening protocols need to be developed for PJS patients and their relatives.

A case of large cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumor in a child with a history of nasal myxoid tumor in infancy

A case of an 8-year-old Japanese boy with a testicular large cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumor (LCCSCT) is presented. This report appears to be the first Japanese case of LCCSCT. The patient presented with left testicular swelling and gynecomastia. His family history was not contributory; however, his past history was remarkable for a benign myxoid tumor in the nasal cavity, which was removed at the age of 2 months. After removal of the testicular tumor, the gynecomastia disappeared gradually and no recurrence or metastasis developed during a 15 month follow-up period. Although the tumor was initially interpreted as a Leydig cell tumor, a review of the slides after the patient's past history of nasal myxoid tumor was revealed led us to the diagnosis of LCCSCT. An accurate diagnosis of LCCSCT is crucial because this tumor is occasionally associated with Carney complex, which can comprise various pathological conditions, including cardiac myxoma, that may be life-threatening. Myxoma of Carney complex has been described to occur in the heart, skin, oral cavity and breast in a wide age range, but there have been no reports referring to nasal myxoid tumor associated with Carney complex.

LKB1 somatic mutations in sporadic tumors

Germline mutations of LKB1/Peutz-Jeghers syndrome gene predispose carriers to hamartomatous polyposis of the gastrointestinal tract as well as to cancer of different organ systems. Although Peutz-Jeghers syndrome patients frequently present with neoplasms of the colon, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, breast, ovaries, and cervix, somatic mutations appear to be rare in the sporadic tumor types thus far studied (colorectal, gastric, testicular, and breast cancers). To evaluate whether somatic mutations of LKB1 contribute to the tumorigenesis of yet unstudied tumor types, we screened 14 cell lines and 129 tumor specimens from different cancers for a genetic defect in LKB1. Six melanoma and eight myeloma cell lines were scrutinized for LKB1 somatic mutations by genomic sequencing. No changes were found in the coding LKB1 sequence and exon/intron boundaries. Next, we analyzed 12 pancreatic, 8 gastric, 12 ovarian granulosa cell, 26 cervical, 28 lung, 24 soft tissue, and 19 renal tumors by single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis. Three changes in LKB1 coding nucleotide sequence were identified. One base pair deletion at A957 and G958 substitution by T occurred in a cervical adenocarcinoma sample, resulting in a frameshift and premature stop codon at position 335. Substitution of A581 by T occurred in a lung adenocarcinoma sample, resulting in the change of aspartic acid at position 194 to valine. A loss of another allele was detected in this sample. One silent change, C1257T, was found in a pancreatic carcinoma sample. The changes were not present in the matched normal tissue DNA samples. Our results suggest that mutational inactivation of LKB1 is a rare event in most sporadic tumor types.

Sertoli cell tumors of the testis, not otherwise specified: a clinicopathologic analysis of 60 cases

Sixty Sertoli cell tumors of the testis, excluding large cell calcifying and sclerosing subtypes, are described. Patient age ranged from 15 to 80 years (mean, 45 years). The initial manifestation was usually a testicular mass; in 14 cases it had been enlarging slowly for a period of up to 14 years (mean 3.7 years). Only five patients had testicular pain. Four patients had metastatic disease at the time of presentation. All the tumors were unilateral and ranged from 0.3 cm to 15 cm (mean 3.6 cm). They were typically well circumscribed. Sectioning usually disclosed firm, tan-gray, white, or yellow tissue with areas of hemorrhage and a minor cystic component in approximately one third. Microscopic evaluation usually revealed diffuse sheets or large, nodular aggregates of tumor cells, within which solid or hollow, sometimes dilated, tubules and, less often, cords were usually at least focally identifiable. A relatively acellular, often vascular, fibrous to hyalinized stroma was frequently conspicuous. The tumor cells typically had moderate amounts of pale to lightly eosinophilic cytoplasm, but 10 tumors had cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm. Large cytoplasmic vacuoles were prominent in 26 tumors. Nuclear atypicality was absent or mild in 54 cases, moderate in 4 cases, and marked in 2 cases. Mitotic rate ranged from less than 1 to 21 per 10 high power fields, with 50 tumors having no or only rare mitoses. Vascular space invasion was present in 11 cases and was prominent in 8. Follow-up of more than five years (average 8.4 years), or until evidence of metastasis was seen, was available for 16 patients. Nine were alive and well with no evidence of disease. Four were alive with disease and three died of disease. The pathologic features that best correlated with a clinically malignant course were as follows: a tumor diameter of 5.0 cm or greater, necrosis, moderate to severe nuclear atypia, vascular invasion and a mitotic rate of more than 5 mitoses per 10 high power fields. Only one of nine benign tumors for which follow-up data of 5 years or more were available had more than one of these features, whereas five of seven malignant tumors had at least three.

Inhibin gene expression in a large cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumour and serum inhibin and activin levels

Inhibin is a potential tumour suppressor gene product in the gonads. While inhibin gene products may have a role in tumourigenesis, serum inhibin levels can be used as a marker for ovarian tumours derived from granulosa cells. Tumours derived from Sertoli cells, testicular counterparts of granulosa cells, are rare. To assess whether inhibin could be used as a human Sertoli cell tumour marker, serum inhibin and activin levels and inhibin subunit mRNA expression in the testis were studied. Northern blot and in situ hybridization revealed abundant expression of inhibin alpha, beta A, and beta B subunit mRNAs in large cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumours found in a 12-year old boy with Carney complex. The tumours were multifocal and bilateral. Serum inhibin levels were clearly elevated at the time of the diagnosis, decreased by 50% after one of the testes was removed, and were low or undetectable after the second orchidectomy six weeks later. Activin was undetectable before the orchidectomies, while a low concentration of activin-A was measured after them. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) concentration increased from normal pubertal value to castration level as expected. Normal seminiferous tubules also showed inhibin subunit alpha and beta B mRNA expression, whereas inhibin beta A mRNA was expressed in normal Leydig cells. These data suggest that serum inhibin reflects Sertoli cell activity and can be used as a human tumour marker.

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS, MIM 175,2000) is a disease of autosomal dominant inheritance that is characterised by hamartomatous gastrointestinal polyps and mucocutaneous pigmentation. In addition to problems such as intussusception, PJS predisposes to cancers of several sites. The unusual combination of clinical features makes the identification of the defect underlying PJS particularly interesting. Recently, the PJS gene has been mapped to chromosome 19p13.

Large cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumor of the testis: contrasting features of six malignant and six benign tumors and a review of the literature

We report six malignant and six benign large cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumors of the testis and compare the features of malignant and benign cases based on these cases and those in the literature. All the tumors in this report consisted of sheets, nests, solid tubules, and cords of eosinophilic cells, with focal calcifications, as well as a substantial neutrophilic infiltrate in 11 of them. Analysis of our cases and those in the literature showed that the malignant tumors were unilateral and solitary and occurred at a mean age of 39 years (range 28-51 years), whereas the benign neoplasms were bilateral and multifocal in 28% of cases and occurred at a mean age of 17 years (range 2-38 years). Only one malignant tumor occurred in a patient with evidence of a genetic syndrome (Carney syndrome), whereas 36% of benign tumors had various genetic syndromes or endocrine abnormalities. Most of the tumors in the latter cases were bilateral and multifocal. There were strong associations of malignant behavior with size >4 cm, extratesticular growth, gross or microscopic necrosis, high-grade cytologic atypia, vascular space invasion, and mitotic rate greater than three mitoses per 10 high-power fields. All malignant cases exhibited at least two of these features, whereas all benign cases lacked any of them. The presence of any one of these features in a solitary large cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumor, especially in a patient >25 years of age, should be viewed as suspicious for malignant behavior, whereas the presence of two or more of these features indicates a strong probability of a malignant course. "Low" percentages (< or =35%) of tumor cells staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) also may correlate with benign behavior, but some benign tumors have high PCNA values. Ki-67 values (MIB-1 antibody) did not correlate with biologic behavior, nor did immunostains for p53 protein.

Colon polyps

Colon polyps may be single or multiple, noninherited or inherited, histologically may vary from inflammatory, hamartomatous, neurogenic, or adenomatous, and may be benign or malignant. The various recognized syndromes are discussed including their clinical presentation, malignant potential, and associated tumors. Recognition of these clinical syndromes will allow the clinician to categorize the patient and the relative risk. The discussion goes into the genetic studies identifying the adenomatous polyposis coli gene on chromosome 5 q21 and the identification of mutations arising in the DNA repair genes (MSA2, MLH1, PMSI, and M52) in the HNPCC syndrome. This identified two divergent pathologies, both involving "multiple hits" with mucosal cells going from normal to adenoma-dysplasia-carcinoma. The understanding of the multiple hit concept with the adenoma-dysplasia-carcinoma progression will aid in the further understanding of the broad neoplastic process.