Malignant advanced granulosa cell tumor of the adult testis: case report and review of the literature

A testicular mass found to be a rare testicular adult-type granulosa cell tumor: A case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) are rare tumors, which mostly affect the ovaries. GCTs are classified into two types: juvenile and adult. Adult testicular GCTs are potentially malignant sex cord-stromal tumors.

CASE PRESENTATION

Here, we report a case of a 63-year-old man who presented with a right testicular nodule. Testicular ultrasound showed a hypoechoic tissue mass, measuring 3 cm and hyper vascularized in the color Doppler. A radical orchidectomy was performed. Histology showed a typical adult-type Granulosa cell tumor. After 12 months follow up, the patient is doing well and disease-free.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

According to our case and a review of the literature, this type of tumor is an uncommon and slow-growing neoplasm. The diagnosis is confirmed by histology, treatment is based on surgery, radical orchidectomy. Long-term follow-up of patients is essential because distant metastases may emerge late in the clinical course.

CONCLUSION

This case report adds valuable insights to the limited literature on adult testicular Granulosa cell tumors. Radical orchidectomy remains the optimal treatment, and early diagnosis, coupled with surgery, significantly enhances prognosis.

Molecular assessment of testicular adult granulosa cell tumor demonstrates significant differences when compared to ovarian counterparts

Testicular adult granulosa cell tumor (AGCT) is a rare type of sex-cord stromal tumor that affects patients of a wide age range and has the potential for late metastasis. In the testis, the diagnosis of AGCTs often requires the exclusion of other more common types of sex-cord stromal tumors. Immunohistochemistry is of limited utility, being used mostly to confirm sex-cord lineage and to exclude other entities when morphology is not typical. Unlike ovarian AGCTs, which are molecularly homogeneous and harbor a specific activating FOXL2 mutation (c.7558C > T p.C134W) in >90% of cases, the molecular characteristics of testicular AGCTs remain largely unknown. In the current study, we analyzed 13 testicular AGCTs diagnosed at multiple institutions using massively parallel DNA sequencing to evaluate single nucleotide variants, copy number alterations, and structural variants. In all, 10/13 cases were sequenced successfully. Notably, the FOXL2 c.7558C > T (p.C134W) mutation was identified in only a single case (1/10, 10%). The remaining cases were molecularly heterogeneous, with largely nonrecurrent genetic variants. Putative driver events in individual cases included a well-characterized gain-of-function NRAS mutation, as well as inactivation of ATM and TP53, among others. The only highly recurrent finding was single copy loss of 22q (7/10 cases, 70%). Comparatively, the frequencies of FOXL2 c.7558C > T (p.C134W) and 22q loss in 12 metastatic ovarian AGCTs identified in our database were 92% (11/12) and 42% (5/12), respectively. The results of the present study suggest that testicular AGCTs are different from their ovarian counterparts in that they appear to be molecularly heterogeneous and only rarely harbor FOXL2 mutations.

Malignant granulosa cell tumor of testis with metastasis to liver: Case report and review of literature

We report a case of testicular granulosa cell tumor of adult type in a 65-year-old male patient who has presented with hepatic metastasis. Although, this type of sex cord stromal tumor is relatively common in the ovaries, it is extremely unusual in the testis, and it probably represents the rarest type of testicular sex cord stromal tumor.

Rare benign and malignant testicular lesions: histopathology and management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The presence of vascular solid tumors within the testicle is considered to be malignant until proven otherwise. However, it is prudent for clinicians to be aware of rare benign and malignant intratesticular lesions as management can differ from the established treatment algorithms for germ-cell tumors.

RECENT FINDINGS

Utilizing certain histopathologic findings can assist with the diagnosis of rare testis tumors. Often times the tumor subtypes are an important consideration in the grading and classification of the disease, which drives management. The multidisciplinary management of rare malignant testis tumors at an experienced center seems to provide optimal patient outcomes. Regardless of the primary treatment, prolonged follow-up for sex cord stromal tumors and other rare testis malignancies is advocated due to the delayed metastatic potential.

SUMMARY

The clinical presentation of rare benign and malignant testis tumors is often similar to that of germ-cell tumors. Likewise, imaging characteristics are also often indistinguishable. However, the management of these rare tumors is often different from the well established treatment algorithms of germ-cell tumors. To that end, it is important for the practicing urologist to be familiar with the current principles of these tumor characteristics and the management.

Risk factors and treatment outcomes of 239 patients with testicular granulosa cell tumors: a systematic review of published case series data

PURPOSE

Testicular granulosa cell tumors (tGrCT) are rare sex cord-stromal tumors. This review aims to synthesize the available evidence regarding the clinical presentation and clinicopathological characteristics, treatment and outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature search using the most important research databases. Whenever feasible, we extracted the data on individual patient level.

RESULTS

From 7863 identified records, we included 88 publications describing 239 patients with tGrCT. The majority of the cases were diagnosed with juvenile tGrCT (166/239, 69%), while 73/239 (31%) patients were diagnosed with adult tGrCT. Mean age at diagnosis was 1.5 years (± 5 SD) for juvenile tGrCT, and 42 years (± 19 SD) for adult tGrCT. Information on primary treatment was available in 231/239 (97%), of which 202/231 (87%) were treated with a radical orchiectomy and 20/231 (9%) received testis sparing surgery (TSS). Local recurrence after TSS was observed in 1/20 (5%) cases. Metastatic disease was never observed in men with juvenile tGrCT but in 7/73 (10%) men with adult tGrCT. In 5/7 men with metastatic tGrCT, metastases were diagnosed at initial staging, while 2/7 patients developed metastases after 72 and 121 months of follow-up, respectively. Primary site of metastasis is represented by the retroperitoneal lymph nodes, but other sites including lungs, liver, bone and inguinal lymph nodes can also be affected. In comparison with non-metastatic adult tGrCT, men with metastatic adult tGrCT had significantly larger primary tumors (70 vs 24 mm, p 0.001), and were more likely to present with angiolymphatic invasion (57% vs 4%, p 0.002) or gynecomastia (29% vs 3%, p 0.019). In five out of seven men with metastatic disease, resection of metastases or platinum-based chemotherapy led to complete remission.

CONCLUSION

Juvenile tGrCT represent a benign entity whereas adult tGCTs have metastatic potential. Tumor size, presence of angiolymphatic invasion or gynecomastia represent risk factors for metastatic disease. The published literature supports the use of testis sparing surgery but there is only limited experience with adjuvant therapies. In the metastatic setting, the reviewed literature suggests that aggressive surgical and systemic treatment might cure patients.

Adult-type granulosa cell tumor of the testicle: case report

Granulosa cell tumor (GCT) is a sex-cord neoplasm of the gonads classified into either juvenile (jGrCT) or adult type (aGrCT). It is commonly arising in ovaries but is much rarer in men, with only around 50 male cases previously reported in the literature. We report on a 54-year-old male patient with a right testicular GCT measuring 10.0×8.0×6.0 cm. The tumor was treated successfully with radical orchiectomy followed by computed tomography to assess lymph node involvement, and no further treatment was done. Pathological reports showed diffuse positivity for immunohistochemical stains, inhibin, vimentin, calretinin, and CD99. The clinical and histopathological features, treatment, and prognosis of aGrCT arising in the testicle of an adult male are also reviewed in this manuscript.

Adult Granulosa Cell Tumor of the Testis: A Case Report with a Review of the Literature

Adult granulosa cell tumor (AGCT) of the testis represents a very rare testicular neoplasm that is poorly understood clinically. Here we report the case of a 22-year-old male who presented with unspecific scrotal symptoms. Scrotal sonography disclosed a 6 mm hypoechoic intratesticular lesion. Histological examination after orchiectomy revealed a homogeneous and well demarcated neoplasm with monomorphic cells with nuclear grooving and microfollicular formation of the so-called Call-Exner bodies. Immunohistology showed positive stainings of vimentin, calretinin, and inhibin with negative stainings of the typical germ cell tumor markers. Thus, the diagnosis of a benign AGCT was made. The patient is well one year after surgery. A total of 91 previous AGCT cases were identified in the literature. Median age of the cases reported to date is 44 years, median tumor size 3.2 cm. 54.3% of the AGCT cases were located on the left side. 12 cases (13.2%) were of malignant nature. Testis-sparing surgery would be the treatment of choice, but only two of all cases had received that procedure. The present report aims to increase the clinical knowledge of AGCT and specifically to increase the clinician's vigilance with respect to testis-sparing surgery in probably benign testicular masses.

Genitourinary Pathology Reporting Parameters Most Relevant to the Medical Oncologist

Pathologic variables play an important role in prognostication in urologic malignancies. Histologic subtype, histologic grade, and anatomic extent of disease (pathologic tumor and nodal staging) influence treatment decisions in both the adjuvant and metastatic settings. This article discusses treatment paradigms for the most common urologic malignancies, followed by the evidence base to support the relationship between pathologic assessment and decision making by the medical oncologist.

Adult testicular granulosa cell tumour: an extremely rare entity

Adult granulosa cell tumours are extremely rare and usually benign but sometimes can assume an aggressive behaviour. A 31-year-old man presented with a 45 mm testicular mass. Radical orchiectomy was performed. Histological examination showed elongated cells, with hyperchromatic nuclei and Call-Exner bodies. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed positivity to vimentin, inhibin and negative PLAP and AE1/AE3 staining. The patient did not receive any adjuvant therapy and remained asymptomatic during 10 years. There are few cases of adult granulosa cell tumours and there is no consensus regarding malignancy criteria, treatment and follow-up. The description of these entities is crucial to allow a better management of these patients.

A Contemporary Review of Common Adult Non-germ Cell Tumors of the Testis and Paratestis

This article provides a comprehensive review of non-germ cell tumors of the testis and paratestis in adults, incorporating the latest 2016 World Health Organization updates. Clinical features, gross pathologic findings, key morphologic details, immunohistochemical profiles, and differential diagnoses are covered, with an emphasis on how to resolve commonly encountered, and sometimes difficult, differential diagnoses.

Rare urologic tumors

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Management of genitourinary malignancy is likely to encompass a large portion of most of the urologist's practice. The challenge for the modern urologist is not only in understanding the management of commonly seen genitourinary malignancies, but also in recognizing unusual variants and their differences in management. This is evermore important as new technologies have refined the ability to identify rare entities. This review presents a brief overview of the various genitourinary malignancy subtypes seen within urology.

RECENT FINDINGS

All major organ subtypes are highlighted along with an overview of the current understanding of their associated malignancies. An update on the current state management paradigms as well as future directions is also outlined.

SUMMARY

After reading this review, the urologist should have a deeper understanding of the breadth of disorders in genitourinary oncology and a clearer approach to the management of these problems. Additionally, ongoing avenues for research are highlighted.

Adult granulosa cell tumor of the testis masquerading as hydrocele

Adult testicular granulosa cell tumor is a rare, potentially malignant sex cord-stromal tumor, of which 30 cases have been described to date. We report the case of a 43-year-old male who complained of a left testicular swelling. Scrotal ultrasound showed a cystic lesion, suggestive of hydrocele. However, due to a clinical suspicion of a solid-cystic neoplasm, a high inguinal orchidectomy was performed, which, on pathological examination, was diagnosed as adult granulosa cell tumor. Adult testicular granulosa cell tumors have aggressive behaviour as compared to their ovarian counterparts. They may rarely be predominantly cystic and present as hydrocele. Lymph node and distant metastases have been reported in few cases. Role of MIB-1 labelling index in prognostication is not well defined. Therefore, their recognition and documentation of their behaviour is important from a diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic point of view.

Metastatic Granulosa Cell Tumor of the Testis: Clinical Presentation and Management

Granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) of the testis are rare sex cord-stromal tumors that are present in both juvenile and adult subtypes. While most adult GCTs are benign, those that present with distant metastases manifest a grave prognosis. Treatments for aggressive GCTs are not well established. Options that have been employed in previous cases include retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND), radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination thereof. We describe the case of a 57-year-old man who presented with a painless left testicular mass and painful gynecomastia. Serum tumor markers (alpha fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin, and lactate dehydrogenase) and computed tomography of the chest and abdomen were negative. The patient underwent left radical orchiectomy. Immunohistochemical staining was consistent with a testicular GCT. He underwent a left-template laparoscopic RPLND which revealed 2/19 positive lymph nodes. Final pathological stage was IIA. He remains free of disease 32 months after surgery.

Adult-type granulosa cell tumour of the testis: Report of a case and review of the literature

Granulosa cell tumours (GCTs) can be either juvenile or adult type, and more commonly occur in the ovaries. Adult-type GCTs of the testis (AGCTT) are very rare and only 46 cases have previously been reported. We report here on a 48-year-old Filipino man with a left testicular AGCTT, which measured 1.2 × 1.2 × 1.0 cm. He underwent radical orchidectomy with postoperative surveillance for 1 year, which included computed tomography with oral intravenous contrast and clinical examinations, which have been unremarkable. The previously reported AGCTTs were briefly reviewed.

The Application of Immunohistochemical Biomarkers in Urologic Surgical Pathology

Context

Tumors of the genitourinary tract can be diagnostically challenging, particularly in core biopsies and cystoscopic biopsies with limited material. Immunohistochemistry is a valuable tool to use when morphology alone is insufficient for diagnosis.

Objectives

To review tumors and benign lesions of the kidney, urinary bladder, prostate gland, testis, and paratesticular structures with an emphasis on difficult differential diagnoses, as well as staining patterns in normal tissue. Recommended immunohistochemical stain panels are discussed that can assist in the diagnostic workup.

Data Sources

Review of current literature.

Conclusions

Immunohistochemistry is a valuable tool, assisting in the diagnosis of problematic tumors and benign lesions of the genitourinary tract.

A case of adult granulosa cell tumor of the testis

Patient: Female, 22

Final Diagnosis: Testis granulosa cell tumor

Symptoms: Pain in testicles • swelling of epididymides • tenderness of epididymiides

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Urology

Adult granulosa cell tumors of the testis: a report of 32 cases

The clinicopathologic features of 32 adult granulosa cell tumors (AGCT) of the testis are presented. The patients were from 14 to 87 years of age (mean 40.0 y) and underwent orchiectomy (n=30) or wedge excision (n=2). None had endocrine-related symptoms. The tumors measured 0.5 to 6.0 cm (mean 2.8 cm) and were predominantly well circumscribed and yellow-tan, except for 1, which had infiltrative borders. The predominant pattern was diffuse, but insular, spindled, microfollicular (Call-Exner bodies), trabecular, corded, watered-silk, palisading, and pseudopapillary patterns were also present. The cells contained round to ovoid nuclei with frequent longitudinal nuclear grooves, indistinct cell borders, and varying amounts of eosinophilic cytoplasm. Most tumors contained limited amounts of fibrocollagenous stroma. The mitotic count ranged from 0 to 18/10 high-power fields (HPF) (mean 4.9/10 HPF, ×400). Two tumors had prominent necrosis, and 1 had vessel invasion. Follow-up information was available for 19 patients, with a mean of 51.0 months (range, 1 to 169 mo). All were without evidence of disease except 1 who had lung metastasis at 24 months. Our findings indicate that the morphologic spectrum of testicular AGCT is similar to that of ovarian AGCT. The majority of testicular examples have a good prognosis (compared with a malignant behavior in 2 of 7 cases in 1 prior series). Lymphovascular invasion, infiltrative borders, and size >4 cm may help in identifying cases with aggressive behavior, as these features were present in the one case with metastasis in our series. Mitotic counts varied and do not appear to be of prognostic significance on the basis of our experience.

Adult type granulosa cell tumor of the testis with a heterologous sarcomatous component: case report and review of the literature

Adult testicular granulosa cell tumors are rare sex cord- stromal tumors of which only 45 have been previously reported. As compared with their ovarian counterparts, these tumors may follow a more aggressive course because the proportion of malignant cases is higher. We report here a unique case of a 78-year Caucasian with a left sided adult type granulosa cell tumor with a heterologous sarcomatous tumor component. A heterologous sarcomatous component has occasionally been observed in ovarian tumors but never in testicular granulosa cell tumors. The sarcomatous component showed a higher number of mitotic figures (1/Hpf) and a marked proliferation rate (up to 50% Ki 67 positive cells) compared with the granulosa type tumor component. CD 99 and the progesterone receptor were positive in both tumor components, inhibin and calretinin only in the granulosa cells, and pancytokeratin only in the sarcomatouse one. Key words: testis - ovary - granulosa cells - sarcoma - inhibin Runing title: testicular sarcomatous granulosa tumor.

Adult type granulosa cell tumor: a very rare case of sex-cord tumor of the testis with review of the literature

Granulosa cell tumor (GST) is a sex-cord/stromal neoplasm of the gonads, more commonly arising in the ovaries, while approximately 80 cases have been reported in the testes. Out of these, 30 cases were of the adult type, while the remainder 50 cases were of the juvenile type. The latter mostly concerned infants and followed a benign course. However, the adult type testicular GCTs may be potentially malignant as it also happens in female patients with such neoplasms. We present a case of an adult type GCT located at the left testis. The patient was subjected to total orchiectomy and received no further treatment. Histology showed typical GCT histomorphology with Call-Exner bodies in some places. The immunoprofile of the tumor was CD99 (+), calretinin (+), inhibin (+), alpha smooth muscle actin (+), vimentin (+), ER (-), PR (-), keratin AE1/AE3 (-), alpha fetoprotein (-), CD117 (-), and placental alkaline phosphatase (-). Two years after surgery, the patient is alive and well with no signs of recurrence.

The multifaceted granulosa cell tumours-myths and realities: a review

Background. Granulosa cell tumors (GCTs), representing ~2% of ovarian tumours, are poorly understood neoplasms with unpredictable and undetermined biological behaviour. Design. 5 unusual presentations of GCT and a retrospective 14-year (1997–2011) surgical pathology review based on patient sex, age, tumour type and concurrent pathology findings are presented to discuss the “myths and realities” of GCTs in the context of relevant evidence-based literature. Results. The 5 index cases included (1) a 5 month-old boy with a left testicular mass, (2) a 7-day-old neonate with a large complex cystic mass in the abdomen, (3) a 76-year-old woman with an umbilical mass, (4) a 64-year-old woman with a complex solid-cystic pelvic mass, and (5) a 45 year-old woman with an acute abdomen. Pathological analysis confirmed the final diagnosis as (1) juvenile GCT, (2) macrofollicular GCT, (3) recurrent GCT 32 years later, (4) collision tumour: colonic adenocarcinoma and GCT, and (5) ruptured GCT. Conclusion. GCT is best considered as an unusual indolent neoplasm of low malignant potential with late recurrences that can arise in the ovaries and testicles in both the young and the old. Multifaceted clinical presentations coupled with the unpredictable biological behaviour with late relapses are diagnostic pitfalls necessitating a high degree of suspicion for accurate clinical and pathological diagnosis.

Adult type granulosa cell tumor in adult testis: report of a case and review of the literature

Granulosa cell tumors can be classified into juvenile and adult types and more commonly occur in ovaries. Adult testicular granulosa cell tumors are extremely rare and only 29 cases of adult type have previously been reported. We report here a 28-year old Caucasian man with a left testicular adult type granulosa cell tumor. The tumor measured 2.6×2.6×2.5 cm and was mitotically active (10/10 HPF). Immunohistochemical stains showed the tumor diffusely positive for inhibin and vimentin, and negative for epithelial membrane antigen, cytokeratins, synaptophysin, HMB-45, OCT-4, placental-like alkaline phosphatase and lymphoid markers. The reported granulosa cell tumors in adult testis were briefly reviewed.

Adult Testicular Granulosa Cell Tumor: A Review of the Literature for Clinicopathologic Predictors of Malignancy

Adult testicular granulosa cell tumors are rare sex cord–stromal tumors of which only 28 have been previously reported. As compared with their ovarian counterparts, these tumors may follow a more aggressive course because the proportion of malignant cases is higher. To date, there are no clinical or pathologic features that definitively predict malignancy. We reviewed all prior case reports for features that may predict their malignant potential. Tumor size greater than 5.0 cm is the only feature statistically associated with malignancy. Mitotic count, tumor necrosis, patient age, and the presence of gynecomastia do not, at present, predict benign versus malignant behavior.

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.

Dysregulation of WNT/CTNNB1 and PI3K/AKT signaling in testicular stromal cells causes granulosa cell tumor of the testis

Synergistic effects of dysregulation of the WNT/CTNNB1 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathways are thought to be important for the development and progression of many forms of cancer, including the granulosa cell tumor of the ovary. Sustained WNT/CTNNB1 signaling in Sertoli cells causes testicular degeneration and the formation of foci of poorly differentiated stromal cells in the seminiferous tubules in mice. To test if concomitant dysregulation of the WNT/CTNNB1 and PI3K/AKT pathways could synergize to cause testicular cancer, Pten(tm1Hwu/tm1Hwu);Ctnnb1(tm1Mmt/+);Amhr2(tm3(cre)Bhr/+) mice that express a dominant, stable CTNNB1 mutant and lack the expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in their Sertoli cells were generated. These mice developed aggressive testicular cancer with 100% penetrance by 5 weeks of age, and 44% of animals developed pulmonary metastases by 4 months, whereas Pten(tm1Hwu/tm1Hwu);Amhr2(tm3(cre)Bhr/+) controls were phenotypically normal. Surprisingly, the tumors could not be classified as Sertoli cell tumors, but rather bore histologic and ultrastructural characteristics of granulosa cell tumors of the testis (GCTT). Pten(tm1Hwu/tm1Hwu);Ctnnb1(tm1Mmt/+);Amhr2(tm3(cre)Bhr/+) testicular tumors did not express CYP17, CYP19, germ cell nuclear antigen, estrogen receptor 1 or progesterone receptor, but expressed the early granulosa cell markers WNT4 and FOXL2, confirming the diagnosis of GCTT. Immunohistochemical analyses of Pten(tm1Hwu/tm1Hwu);Ctnnb1(tm1Mmt/+);Amhr2(tm3(cre)Bhr/+) GCTT demonstrated a tumor marker profile similar to that reported in human GCTT. Immunoblotting analyses revealed high levels of phosphorylation of AKT and the PI3K/AKT signaling effector FOXO1A in Pten(tm1Hwu/tm1Hwu);Ctnnb1(tm1Mmt/+);Amhr2(tm3(cre)Bhr/+) GCTT, suggesting the involvement of FOXO1A in the mechanism of GCTT development. Together, these data provide the first insights into the molecular etiology of GCTT and the first animal model for the study of GCTT biology.