Testicle

Author: Mikael Häggström

Gross processing

Triage

Usual steps:

• Weigh the specimen.
• Measure:

• The size of the testis in 3 dimensions
• The spermatic cord length and diameter

• Ink the tunica vaginalis.
• Cut through tunica vaginalis with scissors
• Bisect the testis in the plane of the epididymis.
• Photograph the cut surface.
• If any tumor:

• Measure the size of the tumor in 3 dimensions
• Describe the gross appearance.
• Measure the distance of the tumor from the tunica vaginalis
• Note tumor extension: up to, into, or through the tunica albuginea or vaginalis.
• Measure the distance of the tumor from the epididymis and spermatic cord, and note any epididymal and spermatic cord involvement.

• Describe the remaining testicular parenchyma.
• If the specimen is large, serially section perpendicular to the long axis.
• Fix in formalin overnight.

Tissue selection

Generally including the following:

• The proximal spermatic cord margin en face.
• For any tumor:

• At least 1 section per cm of tumor, including the closest penetration of tunica albuginea/vaginalis and epididymis.
• Grossly different areas of tumor to determine which components are present (in case of potential mixed germ cell tumor).
• Additional sections of the spermatic cord

• Normal (uninvolved) testis.
• Any found lymph nodes

In case of orchiectomy for undescended testis, submit the entire testicular parenchyma to evaluate for GCNIS (germ cell neoplasia in situ).

Evaluation

Look mainly for:

• Tumors. Further information: Tumor evaluation
• Optionally, disorders of spermatogenesis.

Main page

• Main page of Patholines