A Spermatic Cord Mystery: Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Diagnosing a groin sarcoma is challenging because sarcoma is typically the least probable cause for a lump in the groin or inguinal region. Liposarcomas of the spermatic cord comprise 3% of spermatic cord tumours. Less than 200 cases have been reported in literature. These masses are often mistaken for an inguinal lymph node or a hernia and were discovered to be a soft tissue mass on surgical exploration. Further revision surgery or radiotherapy was planned to prevent recurrence.

Case presentation: This case study describes the treatment protocol of a 48-year-old male with a painful inguinal mass which was clinically suspected to be a lipoma of the cord. After a radiological investigation, surgical excision was planned to involve the mass and the testis. The final diagnosis was made on histopathological examination.

Conclusions: Since spermatic cord sarcomas are rare, there is no defined treatment protocol. A possibility of malignancy should be considered when inguinal or inguinoscrotal swellings do not have classical clinical presentations. Surgical excision should be planned in such a way as to avoid revision surgery.