Testicular epidermoid cysts: sonographic features with clinicopathologic correlation.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this series was to describe the sonographic features of intratesticular epidermoid cysts with clinicopathologic correlation.


METHODS
A retrospective review of the sonographic features of all intratesticular epidermoid cysts within the radiologic pathology archive of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology with correlation with clinical, surgical, and pathologic data was performed. On sonograms, intratesticular epidermoid cysts were evaluated for shape, borders, and the presence of characteristic features, including alternating hypoechoic and hyperechoic rings, mural calcifications, and echogenic central core. Color Doppler imaging was evaluated for the presence of internal flow.


RESULTS
Of 21 cysts seen in 20 male patients (mean age, 24 years; range, 11-52 years), the most common finding was mural calcifications, which were seen in 18 lesions (86%). Concentric rings of alternating echogenicity were shown in 13 lesions (62%), and 7 cysts (33%) had an echogenic central core. No cysts showed internal vascularity.


CONCLUSIONS
Testicular epidermoid cysts are uncommon solid-appearing testicular masses that usually present as palpable masses and are benign. Knowledge of the sonographic and pathologic features may help differentiate these lesions from malignancy and possibly prevent unnecessary orchiectomy.
Manning
Maria A
MA
Department of Radiology, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. mmanning@umm.edu
Woodward
Paula J
PJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D004814:Epidermal Cyst / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D013733:Testicular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult