title: Cystic dysplasia of the rete testis: a benign congenital lesion associated with ipsilateral urological anomalies.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Cystic dysplasia of the rete testis is a benign congenital lesion that can mimic testicular cancer. We report 6 cases, review the literature, discuss the embryological etiology and make management recommendations.
  
  
  METHODS
  The records and pathology reports of 6 boys presenting with cystic dysplasia of the rete testis at 5 institutions were reviewed, as was the relevant literature.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 6 cases 5 presented as scrotal masses in previously healthy boys and 1 as an abdominal mass in a newborn with multiple congenital anomalies. One patient had been followed from birth for a multicystic dysplastic kidney and 4 were found to have an ipsilateral absent kidney during evaluation. Development of the contralateral side was normal in most cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cystic dysplasia of the rete testis is an unusual, benign congenital lesion that can mimic testicular cancer in presentation. The presence of ipsilateral renal anomalies, particularly renal agenesis, can suggest cystic dysplasia of the rete testis in the differential diagnosis preoperatively. Even if cystic dysplasia of the rete testis is suspected, we recommend inguinal exploration and early control of the spermatic cord in the event that neoplasia is identified. If possible, the goal of preserving as much normal testicular parenchyma as possible is desirable. Long-term followup for possible recurrence is recommended, particularly after local excision.
authors.affiliation: Hasbro Children's Hospital, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, USA.
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Wojcik
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hansen
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Diamond
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Koyle
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Koff
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Coplen
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Caldamone
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007668:Kidney / Q000002:abnormalities*; D008297:Male; D013733:Testicular Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000151:congenital / Q000473:pathology