Spermatocele
Urinary type IV collagenase: elevated levels are associated with bladder transitional cell carcinoma. (1/20)
Accumulating experimental evidence has linked the overproduction of extracellular matrix-degrading metalloproteinases with tumor cell invasion. In the present study one member of the metalloproteinase family, type IV collagenase (M(r) 72,000 gelatinase), is shown to be elevated in the urine of patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. The form of the enzyme in the urine was studied by three independent methods: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western immunoblotting; and gelatin zymography. Immunoblotting revealed that the enzyme was present as a series of fragments, each retaining the amino terminus of the mature proenzyme. A prominent M(r) 43,000 fragment was associated with the transitional cell carcinoma cases. Zymography demonstrated that multiple enzyme species with gelatinase activity were present in urine and that high-molecular-weight bands of substrate lysis corresponded to complexes between type IV collagenase and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2. The total amount of type IV collagenase antigen was significantly elevated in the urine of 37 transitional cell carcinoma patients (range, 0-1081 ng/ml; mean, 318.4 +/- 147.3) compared to 19 normal controls (P < or = 0.004) and 17 inflammatory disease controls (P < or = 0.011). Immunohistochemical staining of bladder tumor biopsies verified that the transitional cell carcinoma cells were producing the M(r) 72,000 enzyme. Thus, M(r) 72,000 type IV collagenase, which is present in the urine in many forms including fragments and complexes with inhibitors, may be a useful marker for bladder cancer diagnosis or prognosis. (+info)Tubular ectasia within the mediastinum testis. (2/20)
Eleven scrotal sonographic examinations showing a spectrum of findings within the mediastinum testis were collected over a 2 year period. Each case showed numerous small tubular or rounded anechoic structures within the mediastinum testis; often, the findings mimicked a hypoechoic mass. Findings were bilateral in eight of ten patients; one additional patient had only one testis because of orchiectomy. All patients had an associated extratesticular finding, in most cases a spermatocele. Tubular ectasia shares several features with testicular cysts and mechanisms of formation are postulated to be similar to those previously proposed for testicular cysts. Recognizing tubular ectasia is important to avoid unnecessary concern and potential surgery. (+info)Expression of SLC26A3, CFTR and NHE3 in the human male reproductive tract: role in male subfertility caused by congenital chloride diarrhoea. (3/20)
Congenital chloride diarrhoea (CLD) is a rare inherited disease caused by mutations in the solute carrier family 26 member 3 (SLC26A3) gene. Disruption of intestinal Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchange causes watery Cl(-) rich diarrhoea from birth, and recently male subfertility was observed as a novel manifestation. Expression of SLC26A3, together with interacting proteins cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 3 (NHE3), was studied using immunohistochemistry in the testis (n = 2) and efferent ducts (ED) (n = 1) of patients with CLD (V317del genotype) and in the testis and epididymis (n = 11), seminal vesicle (n = 9) and prostate (n = 4) of the controls. SLC26A3 was immunolocalized in the head of the elongating spermatids (stages III-VI) and CFTR in the elongating spermatids (stages III and IV) and pachytene (stages III-V) and diplotene spermatocytes. In the non-ciliated cells of the ED, apical expression of all three proteins was observed, but only SLC26A3 and CFTR were detected on the luminal border of the apical mitochondria-rich cells (AMRC) of the ductus epididymis and in the epithelium of the seminal vesicle. Only CFTR was present in the epithelium of the prostatic duct. In the patient with CLD, the expression of both SLC26A3 and CFTR was absent in the ED, but testicular expression was identical to that of the controls. These results suggest a primary role for SLC26A3 in male reproduction. Tissue-specific co-expression with CFTR and NHE3 supports diverse functions of SLC26A3 and may have an impact on pathophysiology of male subfertility both in CLD and in cystic fibrosis (CF), as well as spermatoceles. (+info)Bilateral epidiymal cysts in an alpaca male used for breeding. (4/20)
A 4-year-old alpaca stud was presented for examination of his reproductive tract. Ultrasonographic examination of the gonads revealed 2 cystic structures associated with the head of each epididymis. Biopsies of each testicle evidenced mild testicular degeneration. Histopathologic examination of the gonads revealed cystic efferent ductules in the head of each epididymis. (+info)Bilateral spermatocele concurrent with bilateral scrotal hydrocele presenting huge scrotal swelling. (5/20)
We report the very rare case of bilateral spermatoceles concurrent with bilateral scrotal hydrocele presenting huge scrotal swelling. A 52-year-old man came to our hospital because of large scrotal swelling. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral large scrotal hydroceles concurrent with bilateral multicystic spermatoceles above the hydrocele. He had no history of vasectomy or scrotal injury, and the semen examination was normal. The contents of the hydroceles and spermatoceles were first aspirated, but hydrocelectomy and spermatocelectomy were eventually done because after the aspiration the fluid increased more rapidly. Bilateral spermatocele is very rare; moreover, this is the first report of bilateral spermatocele concurrent with bilateral hydrocele. (+info)Color Doppler sonography in evaluation of spermatoceles: the "falling snow" sign. (6/20)
OBJECTIVE: Doppler sonography is not commonly used in evaluation of cystic lesions with internal echoes. Here we report the use of the mechanical properties of color Doppler sonography to further characterize 3 spermatoceles. METHODS: Three patients who came to University of California San Francisco Imaging Center with painless unilateral scrotal enlargement were evaluated with sonography and were found to have large spermatoceles. Color Doppler sonography was applied to these spermatoceles, and digital video clips were obtained as the color beam was instituted. RESULTS: When color Doppler sonography was applied to each spermatocele, the internal echoes moved away from the transducer, resulting in an appearance similar to falling snow. CONCLUSIONS: The "falling snow" sign can be used to enhance the diagnosis of a spermatocele as well as to evaluate a superficial cystic lesion with echogenic fluid and internal microdebris that is difficult to distinguish from a solid mass. (+info)Prevalence of cysts in seminal tract and abnormal semen parameters in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. (7/20)
(+info)Combined VHLH and PTEN mutation causes genital tract cystadenoma and squamous metaplasia. (8/20)
(+info)A spermatocele is a type of cyst that develops in the epididymis, which is a small, coiled tube located on the back surface of the testicle. This cyst typically contains sperm and fluid from the epididymis, and it is usually benign and harmless.
Spermatoceles are often asymptomatic and may be discovered during a routine physical examination or self-examination. In some cases, however, they may cause discomfort or pain, particularly if they become large enough to press on the testicle or surrounding structures.
While spermatoceles do not typically require treatment unless they are causing symptoms, it is important to have them evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out other potential causes of any symptoms and to ensure that appropriate treatment is provided if necessary.
A testicular hydrocele is a type of fluid-filled sac that forms around the testicle (testis), typically in the scrotum. This sac, known as the tunica vaginalis, normally contains a small amount of fluid that helps to lubricate and protect the testicle. However, when an excessive amount of fluid accumulates in this sac, it results in the formation of a hydrocele.
Testicular hydroceles can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life due to various reasons such as injury, inflammation, or infection in the scrotal area. They are usually painless but may cause discomfort or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, especially when they become large. In some cases, hydroceles may resolve on their own without treatment, while others may require surgical intervention to drain the fluid and repair the underlying issue.
It is essential to differentiate between hydroceles and other conditions with similar symptoms, such as hernias or tumors, which may require more urgent medical attention. A healthcare professional can perform a physical examination and possibly recommend further testing, like an ultrasound, to confirm the diagnosis of a testicular hydrocele.