Paratesticular rhabdomyosarcomas and leiomyosarcomas: a clinicopathological review

Abstract

One case of embryonal paratesticular sarcoma and 2 cases of leiomyosarcomas are reported. The 13-year-old boy with embryonal sarcoma is well after an orchiectomy and high ligation of the spermatic cord followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. A 66-year-old man has been doing well after orchiectomy and hemiscrotectomy for a paratesticular leiomyosarcoma. The third patient had a highly pleomorphic leiomyosarcoma and died 2 months postoperatively. The clinical and histological diagnosis of paratesticular rhabdomyosarcomas and leiomyosarcomas is reviewed and the various therapeutic approaches to these neoplasms are discussed. Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are important adjuncts to orchiectomy in the management of rhabdomyosarcomas. On the contrary, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection and radiotherapy are not indicated in leiomyosarcomas, since these neoplasms tend to metastasize by the hematogenous route and are radioresistant. At the present time we are unable to evaluate chemotherapy in the management of paratesticular leiomyosarcomas.