[Adenomatoid tumor of the tunica vaginalis testis. Apropos of 5 cases]

Abstract

The authors report five cases of adenomatoid tumour of the tunica vaginalis. Two cases were located on the epididymis and two on the tunica albuginea of the testis. In each case, a limited excision of the tumour without removal of the testis resulted in a cure, confirmed by a follow-up of three years. A histological examination at the time of the operation revealed the exact nature of the lesion in each case, thereby preventing the unnecessary excision of the gonad. The authors then review the literature on the subject with particular mention of the histopathology, the classification of these tumours, the clinical features and the treatment. They stress that in the majority of cases, mesotheliomas of the tunica vaginalis are benign and can be treated with limited excision and conservation of the testis. However, a few malignant forms have been described, hence the need for a careful histological examination.