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IMAGE DESCRIPTIONS

Bland vascular structures insinuate around sclerotic seminiferous tubules. Hemangiomas of the testis can be quite cellular -- a CD34 stain may be helpful in highlighting its vascular nature.

BACKGROUND

Vascular tumors of the testis are exceptionally rare, but are important to recognize as these tumors are benign and can result in enucleation of the tumor instead of orchiectomy.

A recent review of the literature by Mazal in 2000 showed that five capillary hemangiomas (age range of 18-45 years), eight cavernous hemangiomas (15-77 years) and eight histiocytoid hemangiomas (23-49) have been reported. Capillary hemangiomas and cavernous hemangiomas have distinct diagnostic criteria whereas histiocytoid hemangiomas are poorly defined and controversial entities.

Microscopically, there is an intertubular pattern of growth where the vascular channels proliferate between seminiferous tubules. The tumor can be quite cellular and it may be difficult to visualize the vascular channels, thus CD34 can be helpful to highlight the proliferating endothelial cells (Mazal, Ulbright).

PROGNOSIS

Benign; there are no unequivocal malignant vascular tumors in the testis reported.

RELATED DIAGNOSES

Liver : Hepatic Hemangioma

REFERENCES

Mazal P, Kratzik C, Kain R. Capillary haemangioma of the testis. J Clin Pathol. 2000 August; 53(8): 641–642.

Ulbright TM, Amin MB, Young RH. Tumors of the Testis, Adnexa, Spermatic Cord, and Scrotum: Atlas of Tumor Pathology Third Series, Fascicle 25. Washington DC; AFIP: 1999: 260-2.

Last updated: 2010-11-22
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