Primary carcinoid tumor of the testis: Immunohistochemical, ultrastructural and DNA flow cytometric study of two cases

Primary testicular carcinoid tumor, occupying 0.23% of testicular neoplasm, is a rare and indolent neoplasm with the potential for distant metastasis. We present two cases of primary pure carcinoid tumor of the testis. Both p atients were 36 years old. Physical examination revealed testicular mass wi th and without tenderness. The preoperative serum levels of beta-human chor ionic gonadotropin and alpha-fetoprotein were normal and neither patient ha d carcinoid syndrome. The tumors measured 7.5x6x4 cm and 5.5x5x4 cm in size . Histologically, immunohistochemically and ultrastructurally, the tumors s howed typical features of the carcinoid tumor. Case 1 showed extensive tumo r necrosis and vascular invasion. DNA flow cytometric analysis showed aneup loidy with DNA index of 1.47 and S+G(2)M of 14.0% in case 1 and tetraploidy with DNA index of 1.96 and S+G(2)M of 22.1% in case 2. Both patients have been well without any signs of metastasis after operation for 24 months in case 1 and for 16 months in case 2.