Liposarcoma of the spermatic cord mimicking an incarcerated inguinal hernia

Abstract

Introduction: Paratesticular tumors represent 7%-10% of intraescrotal masses. Sarcomas account for 90% of malignant lesions of the spermatic cord and of these approximately 3%-7% are liposarcomas.

Clinical case: This is the case of a 45 year old male who consulted in the emergency department for a non-reducible right inguino-scrotal mass and was diagnosed with an incarcerated inguinal hernia. Emergency surgery was performed which revealed a large lipomatous tumor, originating from the spermatic cord. Orchiectomy and hernioplasty were performed. Histopathology revealed a well-differentiated liposarcoma of the spermatic cord. Later extension study was conducted, without distant affectation, and did not require adjuvant treatment. Today, after two years of monitoring has been no recurrence.

Discussion: Only about 200 cases have been previously reported in the literature and only 61 of these were presented mimicking an incarcerated inguinal hernia. Due to the low incidence of this disease it is difficult to know the natural history and draw conclusions on the results of treatment, which so far remains the radical orchiectomy with wide local excision of the tissue. The role of radiotherapy and chemotherapy is still controversial