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 Biomarkers With Potential Clinical Application in Testicular Cancer

Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) and sex cord-stromal tumors (SCSTs) are the most common testicular neoplasms. The morphologic spectrum of such tumors is wide, with several histologic subtypes within each group. Testicular tumors often represent a diagnostic challenge, requiring proper identification of their biologic potential for accurate risk stratification and selection of therapy. In the era of precision medicine, molecular biomarkers are increasingly assuming a critical role in the management of patients with cancer. Given the overall rarity of certain types of testicular neoplasms, progress in biomarker research has been relatively slow. However, in recent years, we have witnessed a multitude of important contributions, including both tissue-based and liquid biopsy biomarkers, stemming from important discoveries of tumor pathobiology, accurate histopathological analysis, multi-institutional studies, and genome-wide molecular analyses of specific tumor subtypes. In this review, we provide an overview of the progress in molecular biomarkers of TGCTs and SCSTs, focusing on those with greatest potential for clinical application. In TGCTs, developmental biology has been the key to understanding these tumors and identifying clinically useful biomarkers (from classical serum tumor markers to pluripotency factors and circulating microRNAs of the 371-373 cluster). For SCSTs, studies have focused on tissue biomarkers only, and genome-wide investigations have recently contributed to a better understanding of rare phenotypes and the aggressive biological behavior of some tumors within this nosologic category. Several new biomarkers are moving toward clinical implementation in this field. Therefore, the practicing pathologist should be aware of their strengths and limitations in order to utilize them properly and maximize their clinical benefits.

Adult granulosa cell tumor of the testis with malignant tendency: A case report with genetic analysis using high-throughput sequencing

BACKGROUND

The adult granulosa cell tumor of the testis is a rare sex-cord/stromal tumor, with a potentiality for late recurrence and metastasis. Because of its rarity, this tumor is poorly understood, particularly in terms of its molecular features. As a result, it is necessary to register each occurrence in order to study the evolution of this rare malignancy and develop therapeutic strategies.

METHODS

A 50-year-old man discovered a painless right testicular mass unexpectedly, and the mass steadily expanded for 2 months. Ultrasonography showed a 5.2 cm × 4.0 cm × 3.6 cm mass in the right testicle. A right radical orchiectomy was performed on September 7, 2016. The pathologic diagnosis was a testicular adult granulosa cell tumor. The post-computed tomography scans and bone scintigraphy ruled out distant metastases. A high-throughput sequencing of 520 cancer-related genes revealed FOXL2 C134W, CDKN2A E87Gfs*24, TP53 S183*, TERT c.-124C > T, and H3F3A K28R mutations in this case. Because the patient stated he would be unable to return to the hospital for a follow-up appointment on time, he elected to have 4 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy BEP (bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin) after the right radical orchiectomy.

RESULTS

The patient has not had a clinical recurrence or metastasis in 6 years.

CONCLUSION

Surgery together with adjuvant chemotherapy may be useful treatment options for these individuals with malignant tendencies who are unable to visit the hospital for a follow-up appointment on time. Adult testicular granulosa cell tumors have a relatively complex genetic profile; their etiology is linked to a number of common driver genes, including TERT, CDKN2A, TP53, and H3F3A.

Clinicopathologic and molecular spectrum of testicular sex cord-stromal tumors not amenable to specific histopathologic subclassification

A subset of testicular sex cord-stromal tumors (SCST), which includes neoplasms with mixed histology, cannot be classified into a specific histologic subtype. This study evaluated the clinicopathologic, immunophenotypic and molecular features of 26 SCST not amenable to specific classification by expert uropathologists. Median age at diagnosis was 43 years and median tumor size was 2.4 cm. Follow-up information was available for 18 (69%) patients, with evidence of an aggressive clinical course in 6 patients (4 alive with disease, 2 dead of disease 3 months and 6 months after orchiectomy). Microscopically, SCST not amenable to specific classification demonstrated monophasic epithelioid (9/26, 35%), monophasic spindle cell (5/26, 19%), and biphasic or mixed histology (12/26, 46%). One or more aggressive histopathologic features were seen in 11 cases. DNA sequencing was successful in 22 tumors. Pathogenic CTNNB1 and APC alterations were seen in 7 (33%) and 2 (10%) cases, respectively, with additional variants (e.g., CDKN2A, RB1, TP53, BRCA2) being identified in individual cases. Combined evaluation of morphology, sequencing data and beta-catenin immunohistochemistry resulted in reclassification of 6 (23%) tumors as Sertoli cell tumor, not otherwise specified. This was supported by comparing the methylation profiles of a subset of these tumors and those of typical Sertoli cell tumors. Additionally, a subset of 5 neoplasms (19%) with spindle cell or biphasic histology and SMA expression was characterized by hyperdiploid genomes with recurrent chromosomal gains and absence of driver mutations, possibly representing a distinct tumor type. The SCST that remained not amenable to specific histologic classification (15/26, 58%) were enriched for aggressive histologic features and malignant clinical behavior. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that a subset of testicular SCST that were originally not amenable to specific classification could be reclassified by combined evaluation of morphology, immunohistochemistry and molecular data.

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.

Adult testicular granulosa cell tumour: A rare case report

Adult Granulosa cell tumours (AGT) are a rarely reported subtype of testicular cancer with an unpredictable clinical course. We report the case of a 45 year old man who was diagnosed with a 15mm testicular adult granulosa cell tumour with no metastatic disease at presentation. A radical inguinal orchidectomy was performed with histology demonstrating no invasion of the tunica vaginalis, epididymis, spermatic cord and no lymphovascular invasion. No further treatment was undertaken due to good prognostic factors. A follow up CT Thorax, Abdomen, Pelvis at 4 months demonstrated no disease progression.

Adult-type granulosa cell tumor: An unusual testicular tumor

Adult type granulosa cell tumours are extremely rare. Albeit mostly benign, 10% have malignant potential associated with unfavorable pathological features. The present case with the longest history duration, shows that size alone may not necessarily be unfavorable prognosticator when not associated with other factors.

New insights into testicular granulosa cell tumors

Testicular granulosa cell tumors (TGCTs) are rare tumors of sex cord-stromal origin. TGCTs are mostly benign and can be classified into the adult type and the juvenile type. Due to the rarity of clinical cases and limited research efforts, the mechanism underpinning the development of TGCTs remains poorly understood. A landmark study has identified a forkhead box L2 mutation (C134W) in nearly all adult ovarian GCTs, but its implications in TGCTs are unclear. The present study focuses on reviewing the major signaling pathways (e.g., the transforming growth factor β signaling pathway) critical for the development of TGCTs, as revealed by genetically modified mouse models, with a goal of providing new insights into the pathogenesis of TGCTs and offering directions for future studies in this area. We posit that a comparative approach between testicular and ovarian GCTs is valuable, as granulosa cells and Sertoli cells arise from the same progenitor cells during gonadal development. Developing pre-clinical mouse models that recapitulate TGCTs will help answer the remaining questions around this type of rare 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.

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.

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.

Which patients with gynaecomastia require more detailed investigation?

Gynaecomastia may be due to medication, chronic liver or kidney disease, hypogonadism (primary or secondary to pituitary disease) or hyperthyroidism. Having excluded these aetiologies, it is imperative to be vigilant for underlying malignancy causing gynaecomastia. These include human chorionic gonadotrophin-secreting testicular and extratesticular tumours and oestrogen-secreting testicular tumours and feminising adrenal tumours.

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

Granulosa cell tumors is classified into juvenile and adult types and comprise less than 5% of ovarian tumors in women and are much rarer in men which only 45 have been previously reported. We report here a 40-year young man with a left testicular adult type granulosa cell tumor. The tumor measured 5.5X5X4cm; Immunohistochemical stains showed the tumor diffusely positive for inhibin and vimentin. Post operative CT scans shows a lomboaortic lymphnodes treated by four cycles of chemotherapy type BEP (bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin). The thoraco abdominal CT scans post chemotherapy shows the disappearance of the right testicular nodule and the lomboaortic lymphnodes. 2 years after treatment, the patient is alive and well with no signs of recurrence. Our report highlights one more case of this very rare tumor of the testis, which is quite problematic In terms of prognosis and management, and for this reason seems to have attracted the interest of many researchers recently.

[Leydig cell, Sertoli cell and adult granulosa cell tumors]

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification Leydig cell tumors, Sertoli cell tumors and granulosa cell tumors of the testes belong to the group of sex cord-stromal tumors. These tumors most frequently occur sporadically but in rare cases can be associated with syndromes. These tumor entities show characteristic morphological changes, which in combination with specific immunohistochemical markers facilitate the diagnosis. Recent results of molecular pathological investigations, especially beta-catenin mutation analysis, allow a better categorization of these tumor entities.

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.

Chinmo is sufficient to induce male fate in somatic cells of the adult Drosophila ovary

Sexual identity is continuously maintained in specific differentiated cell types long after sex determination occurs during development. In the adult Drosophila testis, the putative transcription factor Chronologically inappropriate morphogenesis (Chinmo) acts with the canonical male sex determinant DoublesexM (Dsx(M)) to maintain the male identity of somatic cyst stem cells and their progeny. Here we find that ectopic expression of chinmo is sufficient to induce a male identity in adult ovarian somatic cells, but it acts through a Dsx(M)-independent mechanism. Conversely, the feminization of the testis somatic stem cell lineage caused by loss of chinmo is enhanced by expression of the canonical female sex determinant Dsx(F), indicating that chinmo acts in parallel with the canonical sex determination pathway to maintain the male identity of testis somatic cells. Consistent with this finding, ectopic expression of female sex determinants in the adult testis disrupts tissue morphology. The miRNA let-7 downregulates chinmo in many contexts, and ectopic expression of let-7 in the adult testis is sufficient to recapitulate the chinmo loss-of-function phenotype, but we find no apparent phenotypes upon removal of let-7 in the adult ovary or testis. Our finding that chinmo is necessary and sufficient to promote a male identity in adult gonadal somatic cells suggests that the sexual identity of somatic cells can be reprogrammed in the adult Drosophila ovary as well as in the testis.

Pathologic Risk Factors in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients With Clinical Stage I Testicular Stromal Tumors

BACKGROUND

Testicular stromal tumors (TSTs) are rare. In adult men with TSTs, various pathologic risk factors have been identified in patients with clinically localized disease that increase the risk of occult metastatic disease (OMD). We systematically reviewed existing literature to analyze the impact of these risk factors on OMD in prepubertal (0 to 12 y) and postpubertal (13 to 21 y) patients.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted using the combination of terms: "testicular stromal tumors," "testicular leydig cell tumors," "testicular sertoli tumors," "testicular interstitial tumors," "testicular granulosa tumor," and "testicular sex cord tumors." Studies of patients 0 to 21 years with clinical stage I TSTs were included.

RESULTS

A total of 100 patients from 31 publications were included with a median age at diagnosis of 5.7 years (range, 1.2 mo to 21 y). Seventy-nine patients were 12 years and below (median 7.2 mo) and 21 patients were 13 to 21 years (median 16 y). No patients in either group were identified to have OMD at retroperitoneal lymph node dissection or during follow-up surveillance (median follow-up 45.6 y; range, 4 to 360 mo). 99% of those 12 years and below versus 95% of those above 12 years had 0 to 1 pathologic risk factors, and 1% versus 5% had 2+ pathologic risk factors (P=0.38).

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical stage I TSTs in adolescent, postpubertal patients appear to behave in a benign manner with few pathologic risk factors, similar to prepubertal patients. Given the low risk of relapse in this population, low-impact surveillance strategies are paramount. Prospective study of these patients is needed, and entry into a tumor registry such as the International Ovarian and Testicular Stromal Tumor Registry is important to learning more about this rare disease.

Adult type granulosa cell tumor of the testis: Radiological evaluation and review of the literature

A testicular granulosa cell tumor of the adult type is very rare. Isolated case reports and small series have been published in the English literature. Here, we analyze an incidentally discovered testicular granulosa cell tumor in a 29-year-old man to discuss the radiological evaluation of this entity and review the literature.

The Jak-STAT target Chinmo prevents sex transformation of adult stem cells in the Drosophila testis niche

Local signals maintain adult stem cells in many tissues. Whether the sexual identity of adult stem cells must also be maintained was not known. In the adult Drosophila testis niche, local Jak-STAT signaling promotes somatic cyst stem cell (CySC) renewal through several effectors, including the putative transcription factor Chronologically inappropriate morphogenesis (Chinmo). Here, we find that Chinmo also prevents feminization of CySCs. Chinmo promotes expression of the canonical male sex determination factor DoublesexM (Dsx(M)) within CySCs and their progeny, and ectopic expression of DsxM in the CySC lineage partially rescues the chinmo sex transformation phenotype, placing Chinmo upstream of Dsx(M). The Dsx homolog DMRT1 prevents the male-to-female conversion of differentiated somatic cells in the adult mammalian testis, but its regulation is not well understood. Our work indicates that sex maintenance occurs in adult somatic stem cells and that this highly conserved process is governed by effectors of niche signals. PAPERCLIP:

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.

Plasticity of granulosa cells: on the crossroad of stemness and transdifferentiation potential

The ovarian follicle represents the basic functional unit of the ovary and consists of an oocyte, which is surrounded by granulosa cells (GCs). GCs play an important role in the growth and development of the follicle. They are subject to increased attention since it has recently been shown that the subpopulation of GCs within the growing follicle possesses exceptionally plasticity showing stem cell characteristics. In assisted reproduction programs, oocytes are retrieved from patients together with GCs, which are currently discarded daily, but could be an interesting subject to be researched and potentially used in regenerative medicine in the future. Isolated GCs expressed stem cell markers such as OCT-4, NANOG and SOX-2, showed high telomerase activity, and were in vitro differentiated into other cell types, otherwise not present within ovarian follicles. Recently another phenomenon demonstrated in GCs is transdifferentiation, which could explain many ovarian pathological conditions. Possible applications in regenerative medicine are also given.

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.

SALL4 and SF-1 Are Sensitive and Specific Markers for Distinguishing Granulosa Cell Tumors From Yolk Sac Tumors

Granulosa cell tumors are classified as juvenile and adult types. They may be misinterpreted as a yolk sac tumor when they exhibit a “reticular” growth pattern and contain prominent mitotic activity. In this study, the authors performed immunohistochemical stains for SALL4 and steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) on 27 cases of yolk sac tumors and 24 granulosa cell tumors. Nuclear stains for both antibodies were considered as positive and the intensity of staining was graded as negative, weak, moderate, and strong. All the yolk sac tumors were positive for SALL4 (100%) with moderate to strong grade staining and negative for SF-1 (100%). In contrast, all the granulosa cell tumors were positive for SF-1 (85% moderate to strong grade staining and 15% weak staining) and negative for SALL4 (100%). The difference was significant ( P < .01, Student’s t test). This result indicates that these 2 markers could be used to distinguish these 2 tumors in a difficult situation.

Rare Tumors of the Testis and Mesothelial Proliferation in the Tunica Vaginalis

An increasing number of rare testicular tumors have been recognized in the recent years with a wide and heterogeneous spectrum of morphologies. The utility of ancillary studies, including immunohistochemistry, is often limited and is important for the pathologists to be aware of these entities, because they require a comprehensive pathological and clinical approach for an appropriate treatment.

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.

The prevalence of testicular adrenal rest tumors and associated factors in postpubertal patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia caused by 21-hydroxylase deficiency

Development of a testicular adrenal rest tumor (TART) is common in males with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and it can be an important cause of infertility. In the present study, we observed the prevalence of TARTs, and analyzed its associated factors in patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Testicular ultrasonography was performed in 48 postpubertal male patients aged 10.6 to 27.1 years. To determine whether patients were undertreated, we analyzed the serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) levels to the time of ultrasonographic measurement and calculated the percentage of measurements when serum 17-OHP level was >10 ng/mL relative to the total number of measurements during the follow-up period. We divided the 6-year period before ultrasonographic measurement (time 0) into three 2-year intervals and calculated the average concentration of serum 17-OHP in each interval to give a -2(nd) to 0 year-average concentration (-2-0YAC), -4-2YAC and -6-4YAC. A TART was detected by ultrasonography in 31 of 48 patients (64.6%) and the median maximal cross-sectional area of the TARTs was 0.71 (0.03, 4.95) cm(2). The corrected final adult height was lower, and -4-2YAC and body mass index were higher in patients with TART than in those without. After controlling for the type of 21-hydroxylase deficiency, hydrocortisone-equivalent dose, age, and -6-4YAC, the size of TART was associated with a high undertreatment percentage with a marginal statistical significance. These results suggest that strict disease control is mandatory and regular examination with testicular ultrasonography is recommended in male patients, regardless of the type of 21-hydroxylase deficiency.