Solitary Neurofibroma Of The Spermatic Cord: A Case Report

Authors

  • José Boto
  • Sana Boudabbous
  • Johannes Alexander Lobrinus
  • Jolanta Gourmaud
  • Sylvain Terraz

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3941/jrcr.v9i6.2206

Keywords:

neurofibroma, spermatic cord, male genital tract, ultrasound, MDCT, MRI

Abstract

We report the ultrasound, computerized tomography, positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings of a 38-year-old man with a biopsy proven solitary neurofibroma of the spermatic cord. Solitary neurofibromas of the male genital tract are exceedingly rare benign peripheral nerve sheath neoplasms composed of Schwann cells and fibroblasts. In contrast to schwannomas they are not bound by a capsule thus allowing infiltration between the nerve fascicles. Although they are benign lesions whose potential for malignant degeneration is very low, especially in the absence of neurofibromatosis type 1, accurate diagnosis is important as neurofibromas in this location can cause significant morbidity and psychological distress. Despite the extensive differential diagnosis of masses in the male inguinal canal, including both benign and malignant entities, a diagnosis of benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor can be potentially suggested based on imaging, particularly if MRI is performed. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice and the final diagnosis should be provided by histopathology, as was the case with this patient.

Author Biographies

José Boto

Department of Radiology

Geneva University Hospital

Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4

1205 Genève, Switzerland

Sana Boudabbous

Department of Radiology

Geneva University Hospital

Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4

1205 Genève, Switzerland

Johannes Alexander Lobrinus

Department of Clinical Pathology

University Medical Center

Rue Michel Servet 1

1206 Genève, Switzerland

Jolanta Gourmaud

Department of Clinical Pathology

University Medical Center

Rue Michel Servet 1

1206 Genève, Switzerland

Sylvain Terraz

Department of Radiology

Geneva University Hospital

Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4

1205 Genève, Switzerland

Published

2015-06-10

Issue

Section

Genitourinary Radiology