Leiomyosarcoma of the inguinal canal

Leiomyosarcoma of the spermatic cord presenting as an incarcerated inguinal hernia: a rare presentation of a rare condition

Leiomyosarcomas of the spermatic cord are rare malignancies with only sporadic cases (less than 150) reported in the literature. Preoperative diagnosis of a paratestical leiomyosarcoma is challenging. Clinicians do not typically consider inguinoscrotal lumps as underlying sarcomas due to their relatively low prevalence compared with hernias. As a result the diagnosis of a sarcoma of the paratesticular area is often hard to reach. Herein, we report a rare case of a leiomyosarcoma originating from the spermatic cord, masquerading as a strangulated inguinal hernia. Intraoperatively, a mass arising from the spermatic cord was found and excised. A supplementary orchiectomy with high ligation of the spermatic cord was also performed.

Thinking beyond hernia: a review of non-hernia groin lumps

With increasing reliance on imaging, a large number of patients presenting with a groin lump are being referred to radiology to confirm the diagnosis of hernia, usually with an ultrasound in the first instance (occasionally MRI or CT). However, when imaging of the groin was performed, we have encountered many different kinds of non-hernia lesions in our practice. Such lesions can be categorized based on their tissue of origin and pathology. A specific diagnosis can often be reached using ultrasonography, MRI or a combination of imaging modalities. This review article will help general, musculoskeletal and abdominal radiologists to understand the anatomy of the groin, diagnose and characterise soft tissue lesions that may present as a groin lump, provide guidance for further imaging and insight into imaging features which may need specific investigations like core biopsy, tertiary referral and review at multidisciplinary meetings.