Spermatocytic seminoma: A cytology and histology case report with review of the literature

Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) findings are described in a case of spermatocytic seminoma occurring in a 52-yr-old male, involving the left te stis. The smears showed three populations of cells (small, medium, and larg e), with a preponderance of medium-sized cells showing visible nucleoli. Th e background was clean, in contrast to the "tigroid" substance seen in clas sical seminoma. Low mitotic rate and absence of lymphocytes were the other features helpful in diagnosis. Because of these distinct morphological feat ures, a preoperative diagnosis of spermatocytic seminoma was possible, with subsequent confirmation on histopathology The case is being reported becau se of the rarity of this tumor and because there have been only a Sew repor ted cases of FNAC diagnosis. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.