Primary testicular lymphoma: Clinical characteristics and oncological outcomes

Abstract

Background Primary testicular lymphoma (PTL) is a rare testicular malignancy, despite being considered the most common testicular tumor in patients older than 60 years. Primary testicular lymphoma represents only 1%-9% of testicular neoplasms. Few studies have been published regarding its clinical features and management. This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of PTL. Materials and methods: Orchiectomy specimens of 15 patients with PTL diagnosed during 2000-2020 at our institution were retrospectively studied. We collected information on demographic data, clinical features, management aspects, and outcomes of PTL treatment. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression analyses were used to study survival. Results: The median patient age was 69 years (interquartile range, 61-72 years). The most prevalent clinical presentation was testicular swelling (80%), and only 13.33% of the patients presented with systemic symptoms. Central nervous system involvement was detected in 6 patients (40%). Of the 15 patients, 5 (33.33%) had stage IE and 10 (66.67%) had stage IVE lymphoma. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was the most common histological subtype. Twelve patients (80%) received chemotherapy. During follow-up, 4 patients (26.67%) relapsed. The recurrence rate in the contralateral testicle was 13.33%. The median cancer-specific survival was 21.58 months (95% confidence interval, 0-43.95 months). Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that central nervous system involvement and International Prognostic Index score were significantly associated with shorter cancer-specific survival. Conclusions: Primary testicular lymphoma has a high relapse rate and poor prognosis. Management strategies typically include radical orchiectomy and systemic chemotherapy. Central nervous system involvement and International Prognostic Index scores were associated with lymphoma-specific survival.