Histopathologic and molecular aspects of CD56+ natural killer/ T-cell lymphoma of the testis

Int J Surg Pathol. 2008 Jul;16(3):291-300. doi: 10.1177/1066896907309687.

Abstract

Primary nasal-type natural killer/T-cell lymphoma of the testis is a rare malignancy. Although dissemination to the testis from other sites occurs somewhat more frequently than a primary presentation, even secondary testicular involvement is uncommon. In this article, the authors report on the comprehensive histopathologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular analysis of a case of primary testicular nasal-type natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, and review the features of 16 previously reported patients. The investigation carried out in this study indicates that the testicular nasal-type natural killer/T-cell lymphomas occur at a younger age than their B-cell counterparts, express cytoplasmic CD3 and surface CD56, and consistently show an infection by Epstein-Barr virus. These tumors have variable expression of T-cell antigens other than cytoplasmic CD3 and may show monoclonal rearrangement of T-cell receptor genes. Testicular natural killer/T-cell lymphomas of nasal type invariably follow an aggressive clinical course.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • CD56 Antigen / analysis*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use
  • Dexamethasone / therapeutic use
  • Doxorubicin / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Killer Cells, Natural / chemistry
  • Killer Cells, Natural / pathology*
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral / chemistry
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral / genetics
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral / pathology*
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral / virology
  • Male
  • Orchiectomy
  • RNA, Viral / analysis
  • Testicular Neoplasms / chemistry
  • Testicular Neoplasms / genetics
  • Testicular Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Testicular Neoplasms / virology
  • Vincristine / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • CD56 Antigen
  • Epstein-Barr virus encoded RNA 1
  • RNA, Viral
  • Vincristine
  • Dexamethasone
  • Doxorubicin
  • Cyclophosphamide

Supplementary concepts

  • CVAD protocol