[Sarcomatous degeneration of a giant scrotal lipoma. Presentation of a clinical case]

Abstract

This paper presents a case of giant scrotal lipoma with areas of sarcomatous degeneration which were evident on anatomico-pathological examination; the authors considered it worth-while reporting this case given that giant lipomas with sarcomatous degenerations are rare. It is important to underline that in comparison to other malignant tumours of the scrotum the frequency of liposarcomas is very low. In addition to the liposarcoma reported here, at the level of the scrotum it is worth recalling neurofibrosarcoma and fibrosarcoma and some rare sarcomas of the spermatic cord among the malignant sarcomas of sarcomatous origin reported in the literature. Difficulties may arise from a diagnostic point of view due to the scarcity of symptoms. Among the most frequent symptoms is the presence of a hard mass on palpation of the scrotum; the volume of this mass may increase very rapidly. It is important to note that this tumour may sometimes originate as malignant and then degenerate in toto or in some isolated areas. Instrumental tests include abdominal radiography without the use of contrast medium in order to exclude the presence of herniated abdominal viscera at the level of the scrotum. Ultrasonography may also be extremely useful since it is capable of providing information regarding the presence, inside the scrotal sack, of liquid retention or solid forms. At all events histological diagnosis is carried out in the majority of cases following the removal of the operated part. The exeresis of the tumour therefore becomes both diagnostic and therapeutic. Surgery consists in the simple exeresis of the neoplasia; in some cases orchiectomy is required in addition to exeresis. Some authors also recommend the dissection of inguinal lymph nodes following extemporary anatomo-pathological tests. In other cases when histological tests confirm the malignant degeneration with a high degree of biological aggressiveness, the patient has to undergo postoperative radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)