Liposarcoma of the spermatic cord – diagnostic and therapeutic issue

Abstract

Liposarcoma of the spermatic cord is a malignant tumor so rare that there are less than 200 cases reported in the literature worldwide. Liposarcoma is a malignancy which originates from fat tissue. Although only 3%-7% of all paratesticular sarcomas primarily arise from structures of the spermatic cord, clinical significance of these tumors must not be neglected because they are often preoperatively misdiagnosed. A 66-year-old male presented with a painless swelling on the left side of the scrotum. Local examination revealed a solid, smooth, limited mass of approximately 4x3 cm in the left side of the scrotum. Tumor markers were within the reference range. Ultrasound examination showed a solid, clearly limited non-homogeneous mass of 40x20 mm localized in the left spermatic cord. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an expansive mass measuring 60x85x60 mm in the left inguinoscrotal region without propagation into the abdominal cavity. Both testicles and epididymides appeared normal on magnetic resonance examination and no locoregional enlarged lymph nodes were seen. The patient was treated operatively with radical inguinal orchiectomy. In conclusion, liposarco-mas of the spermatic cord are extremely rare neoplasms that clinically present as slow-growing, pain-less, palpable inguinal or scrotal masses. Radical orchiectomy with high ligation of the spermatic cord and wide excision of the surrounding soft tissues within the inguinal canal remains the gold standard treatment option. Recurrence of the disease is frequent even several years after primary therapy, there-fore long-term follow-up is mandatory.