Cysts of the tunica albuginea. Report of 4 cases and review of the literature

J Urol. 1975 Nov;114(5):730-3. doi: 10.1016/s0022-5347(17)67130-1.

Abstract

Four cases of benign testicular cysts arising from the tunica albuginea are reported. A review of the literature yielded only 4 more instances of such lesions. Clinically, these cysts may be manifested as a tumor or painful swelling, or are discovered incidentally. In 3 cases a diagnosis of testicular carcinoma was entertained and high inguinal orchiectomies were done. The possibility of a conservative surgical approach, as followed in 1 case, is discussed. These cysts appear in the anterior and lateral aspects of the testis, show ample connection to the albuginea and are lined by a cuboidal epithelium. Gland-like inclusion were found in the fibrous cystic walls and in the albuginea. The histogenesis of these lesions is discussed and evidence for a possible origin in mesothelial rests trapped during development is presented. The differential diagnosis of cystic lesion of the tests is reviewd briefly.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cysts / diagnosis
  • Cysts / pathology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Testicular Diseases / diagnosis
  • Testicular Diseases / pathology*
  • Testis / pathology*