Association between sarcoidosis and testicular carcinoma: A diagnostic pitfall Journal Article


Authors: Paparel, P.; Devonec, M.; Perrin, P.; Ruffion, A.; Decaussin-Petrucci, M.; Akin, O.; Sheinfeld, J.; Guillonneau, B.
Article Title: Association between sarcoidosis and testicular carcinoma: A diagnostic pitfall
Abstract: Background and aim of the work: Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic, non-caseous, benign granulomatous disease of unknown etiology that is sometimes associated with testicular cancer. This association, which does not appear to be accidental, can give rise to diagnostic problems because adenopathies or parenchymatous pulmonary nodules related to sarcoidosis can lead to the presumption of metastatic testicular cancer. The objective of this article was to assess the clinical, histological, and radiological characteristics of the association between sarcoidosis and testicular cancer to help clinicians avoid potentially fatal diagnostic traps and management errors. Methods: Literature review. Results: A total of 64 cases of sarcoidosis concomitant with testicular cancer were described in the literature. In more than 50% of the cases (35/64), testicular cancer was diagnosed before sarcoidosis or sarcoid-like reaction. Cancer was diagnosed concomitantly in 31% of cases (20/64). Every anatomopathological type of testicular tumor was described in association with sarcoidosis. Seminoma was the most frequent tumor, occuring in 62%(40/64) of patients. In 80% of the cases (51/64) sarcoidosis regressed spontaneously. Conclusions: Testis cancer may be accompanied by a sarcoid-like reaction or can be associated with real sarcoidosis. The association of testicular cancer with sarcoidosis did not change the therapeutic management of either of these two pathologies. The presence of sarcoidosis does not change the cancer prognosis. Sarcoidosis is a benign disease that resolved favorably and spontaneously in 80% of the cases. © Mattioli 1885 - Casa Editrice.
Keywords: adolescent; adult; middle aged; histopathology; review; disease association; diagnosis, differential; cancer regression; diagnostic errors; testicular neoplasms; testis cancer; sarcoidosis; seminoma; testis carcinoma; noncaseating granuloma
Journal Title: Sarcoidosis Vasculitis and Diffuse Lung Diseases
Volume: 24
Issue: 2
ISSN: 1124-0490
Publisher: Mattioli 1885  
Date Published: 2007-09-01
Start Page: 95
End Page: 101
Language: English
PUBMED: 18496978
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: --- - "Cited By (since 1996): 11" - "Export Date: 17 November 2011" - "CODEN: SVDDF" - "Source: Scopus"
Citation Impact
MSK Authors
  1. Joel Sheinfeld
    254 Sheinfeld
  2. Oguz Akin
    264 Akin