Sarcoid reaction of hilar and paratracheal lymph nodes in patients treated for testicular cancer

Abstract

Bilateral hilar lymph node enlargement developed in four patients 1 to 8 years after successful radiotherapy for testicular cancer Stage I was performed. Two had additional paratracheal involvement. Biopsy showed sarcoid reaction in all four cases. An increased frequency of sarcoid reaction is assumed in patients treated for testicular cancer. The pathogenesis remains unknown. The clinical and radiologic findings should not be misinterpreted as showing recurrent malignant disease. In an otherwise disease-free patient in whom mediastinal lymph node enlargement develops, a biopsy should always be performed.