Coincidence of seminoma and sarcoidosis: a myth or fact?

Ann Oncol. 1998 Mar;9(3):321-5. doi: 10.1023/a:1008220002148.

Abstract

A patient with a stage II seminoma of the testis was treated with a routine orchidectomy and irradiation. One and a half years later enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes were noted. Additional staging showed no other abnormalities and a mediastinoscopy was performed. The initial histologic examination confirmed the clinically suspected diagnosis of sarcoidosis. However, additional immunohistochemical analysis unexpectedly demonstrated that there was also a microscopic relapse of the testis tumor. The literature concerning the co-incidence of non-caseating granulomas and testis tumors is reviewed. It is not clear, whether the granulomas indicate the presence of genuine idiopathic sarcoidosis or whether they reflect a sarcoid-like reaction against tumor antigens. The immunopathogenesis of sarcoid formation and its possible biologic significance in obtaining a spontaneous tumor remission is discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Male
  • Mediastinal Diseases / pathology*
  • Mediastinoscopy
  • Orchiectomy
  • Sarcoidosis / complications
  • Sarcoidosis / pathology*
  • Sarcoidosis / therapy
  • Seminoma / complications
  • Seminoma / secondary*
  • Seminoma / therapy
  • Testicular Neoplasms / complications
  • Testicular Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Testicular Neoplasms / therapy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents