[Epidermoid cyst of the testicle: presentation of a case].

OBJECTIVE

To describe a case of epidermoid cyst of the testis, a rare lesion that warrants surgical exploration to confirm the diagnosis since its echo patterns are characteristic but not pathognomonic.

METHODS/RESULTS: 10 years earlier the patient had noticed an asymptomatic swelling of the right testis which did not cause infertility since he had two children over the last 6 years. Tumor markers AFP, BHCG and LDH fell within the normal ranges. Ultrasound evaluation with a high resolution 7.5 Mhz transducer revealed a 4 x 3.5 x 3.2 cm testicular mass surrounded by atrophic parenchyma. The patient underwent radical inguinal orchidectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Epidermoid cyst is the benign variety of testicular teratoma. Two different forms exist: simple and mixed. Malignant components are present in the latter form. If the simple form is identified before substitution of the testicular parenchyma occurs, testis sparing surgery is justified; otherwise radical orchidectomy with inguinal exploration is indicated.