Testicular plasmacytoma misdiagnosed as orchitis

BMJ Case Rep. 2018 Jun 4:2018:bcr2017222046. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2017-222046.

Abstract

Testicular plasmacytomas are rare, accounting for only 1.3% of all extramedullary plasmacytomas. The infrequency in which it is encountered, coupled with its non-specific clinical and sonographic presentation, makes its diagnosis a challenge. We present a case of a 70-year-old man with multiple myeloma, which was systemically responding to chemotherapy, who developed testicular swelling, erythema and pain. Ultrasound findings were concerning for infection, although urine and serum testing were unremarkable. The patient did not improve after several rounds of antibiotics prompting further evaluation. The patient underwent radical orchiectomy which revealed testicular plasmacytoma. Fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) of the testicular tissue noted mutations which had not been present in the FISH analysis of bone marrow. Positron emission tomography scan later revealed new retroperitoneal plasmacytomas involving the new clone and his chemotherapy regimen needed to be adjusted for treatment.

Keywords: cancer intervention; haematology (incl blood transfusion); radiology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Diagnostic Errors*
  • Humans
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • Male
  • Multiple Myeloma / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Myeloma / genetics
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / diagnostic imaging*
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / genetics
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / pathology
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / therapy
  • Orchitis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Orchitis / drug therapy
  • Plasmacytoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Plasmacytoma / genetics
  • Plasmacytoma / pathology
  • Plasmacytoma / therapy
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography
  • Retroperitoneal Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Retroperitoneal Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Testicular Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Testicular Neoplasms / genetics
  • Testicular Neoplasms / pathology
  • Testicular Neoplasms / therapy
  • Ultrasonography
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents