Spermatocytic tumors are rare testicular tumors occurring predominantly in older men. Most show a classical tripartite morphology (different from seminoma) and are benign. However, well-documented cases of malignant spermatocytic tumors exist. Our previous work showed that a subset of spermatocytic tumors exhibiting TP53 mutations, DNA methylation profiles closer to seminomas, and/or gains in chromosome 12p exhibited aggressive characteristics, including sarcomatoid transformation and metastatic dissemination. The microRNA-371-373 cluster is a promising biomarker which is upregulated in non-teratoma germ cell tumors with malignant behavior. In this work we analyze microRNAs-371-373 b y quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in 18 spermatocytic tumors representative of the whole clinical spectrum, including 6 with aggressive features (sarcomatoid transformation, metastases, or gains in chromosome 12p). The levels of microRNAs-371-373 were significantly higher in non-teratoma germ cell tumors compared to spermatocytic tumors, overall (p < 0.0001). Importantly, levels of microRNA-371-373 were higher in spermatocytic tumors with aggressive features compared to non-aggressive neoplasms. The highest levels were observed in one tumor showing isochromosome 12p. These results further support our previous findings that a subset of spermatocytic tumors are intermediate between so-called type II and type III germ cell tumors and that embryonic microRNAs play a role in aggressive behavior in spermatocytic tumors. Accordingly, this subset of tumors may behave aggressively and require close follow up. In the future, this opens an opportunity for microRNA testing in serum of spermatocytic tumor patients for risk stratification purposes.

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Cryptorchidism, the failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum, and testicular cancer show a strong correlation in both dogs and humans. Yet, long-standing medical debates persist about whether the location of undescended testes directly causes testicular cancer in humans or if both conditions stem from a common origin. Although testicular cancer is a prevalent disease in dogs, even less is known about its cause and correlation with testicular descent in this species. This review investigates the relation between these two disorders in dogs, drawing insights from human studies, and examines key biomarkers identified thus far. In addition, it explores potential causal links, including the impact of temperature on maturing testicular cells and a potential shared genetic origin. Notably, this literature review reveals significant differences between men and dogs in reproductive development, histological and molecular features of testicular tumors, and the prevalence of specific tumor types, such as Sertoli cell tumors in cryptorchid dogs and germ cell tumors in humans. These disparities caution against using dogs as models for human testicular cancer research and underscore the limitations when drawing comparisons between species. The paper concludes by suggesting specific research initiatives to enhance our understanding of the complex interplay between cryptorchidism and testicular cancer in dogs.

Spermatocytic tumor is a very rare germ cell testicular neoplasm that accounts for less than 1% of testicular cancers. It generally affects older men with a mean age of 53.6 years (range 19-92 years). Spermatocytic tumor is classified within the group of germ cell tumors not related to germ cell neoplasia in situ. It presents clinicopathological characteristics different from classic seminoma and is not considered a variant of the latter. Due to a morphologic overlap with classical seminoma, it was called \"sperm cell seminoma\" in the past. The anaplastic variant of spermatocytic tumor is exceptional, few cases have been described in the literature, it presents an earlier onset compared to spermatocytic tumor and a benign behavior despite showing histological patterns similar to classic seminoma. We present the second case of bilateral synchronous anaplastic spermatocytic tumor, in a young patient treated with orchiectomy and chemotherapy.

Spermatocytic tumors are a rare type of testicular cancer, comprising <1% of all testicular malignancies. This type of cancer typically affects males in their 60s and 70s and rarely metastasizes; however, it poses a threat to the health of affected individuals if left untreated. The present study describes the case of a 68-year-old male patient with this type of tumor, including a presentation of his initial symptoms, treatment and subsequent monitoring. A male patient, aged 68 years, visited the authors\' clinic with an asymptomatic mass in the right testicle. The mass had been progressively increasing in size for a duration of 5 years following a history of blunt injury. During the examination, a noticeable, painless enlargement was detected in the right testis, whereas the left testis appeared to be in a normal state. Tumor markers were within normal limits. Imaging revealed a complex mass (11x8x7 cm) almost replacing the right testis, with no detectable lymph nodes. A right radical orchidectomy was performed under spinal anesthesia. A histopathological examination revealed a spermatocytic tumor. The post-operative period was uneventful, with no metastasis detected in the CT scans. The patient was discharged with instructions for regular follow-up appointments. The case presented herein highlights a rare spermatocytic tumor in a 68-year-old male. The early detection and treatment of testicular tumors, regardless of age, are crucial for a good prognosis.

Spermatocytic tumor (ST) is a rare type of germ cell tumor that occurs exclusively in the postpubertal testis and typically affects elderly men. Most STs are benign, but rare cases exhibit aggressive clinical behavior, often in association with transition to sarcomatoid histology. Limited molecular analyses have been performed on STs; therefore, their genomic and epigenomic features remain incompletely described. Twenty-seven samples from 25 individual patients were analyzed with a combination of DNA sequencing panels, genomic methylation profiling, SNP array, isochromosome (12p) [i(12p)] FISH, and immunohistochemistry. The series included five metastasizing tumors (three with sarcomatoid transformation, one anaplastic, and one conventional) and 20 non-metastasizing tumors (14 anaplastic and six conventional). Anaplastic tumors comprised a monomorphic population of intermediate-sized neoplastic cells, as previously described. Multiomic analyses demonstrated that there were two genomic subgroups of STs: one with diploid genomes and hotspot RAS/RAF variants and the other with global ploidy shift and absence of recurrent mutations. Relative gain of chromosome 9 was a consistent finding in both subgroups. A comparison of metastasizing and non-metastasizing cases demonstrated that aggressive behavior was associated with the acquisition of pathogenic TP53 mutations and/or relative gains of 12p/i(12p). In cases with sarcomatoid transformation, TP53 mutations seem to underlie the transition to sarcomatoid histology. Genomic methylation analysis demonstrated that aggressive cases with gains of 12p cluster closer to pure seminomas than to STs without gains of 12p. In conclusion, STs include two genomic subgroups, characterized by global ploidy shifts without recurrent mutations and diploid genomes with RAS/RAF hotspot mutations, respectively. Biologic progression was associated with relative gains of 12p and TP53 mutations. The findings in STs with relative gains of 12p suggest that they may exhibit biologic characteristics akin to those seen in germ cell neoplasia in situ-related germ cell tumors rather than non-germ cell neoplasia in situ-derived STs. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Testicular cancer is predominantly diagnosed in young men aged 15-35 years. However, there are some rare tumors such as spermatocytic tumors that are seen more often in the older male population. Spermatocytic tumors have previously been known as spermatocytic seminomas in the scientific literature. We report the cases of 2 patients aged 50 and 77 years both diagnosed with spermatocytic tumors. In this paper we will discuss the ultrasound and histopathology features of these tumors and review the literature of spermatocytic tumor cases.

Spermatocytic tumor (ST) is a very rare disease, accounting for approximately 1% of testicular cancers. Previously classified as spermatocytic seminoma, it is currently classified within the non-germ neoplasia in-situ-derived tumors and has different clinical-pathologic features when compared with other forms of germ cell tumors (GCTs). A web-based search of MEDLINE/PubMed library data was performed in order to identify pertinent articles. In the vast majority of cases, STs are diagnosed at stage I and carry a very good prognosis. The treatment of choice is orchiectomy alone. Nevertheless, there are two rare variants of STs having very aggressive behavior, namely anaplastic ST and ST with sarcomatous transformation, that are resistant to systemic treatments and their prognosis is very poor. We have summarized all the epidemiological, pathological and clinical features available in the literature regarding STs that have to be considered as a specific entity compared to other germ GCTs, including seminoma. With the aim of improving the knowledge of this rare disease, an international registry is required.

UNASSIGNED: Spermatocytic tumours are a rare subset of testicular tumours seen in elderly patients with distinct clinicopathological features and a favourable outcome. The typical presentation and characteristic histological features usually suffice for the diagnosis. Most of the cases are amenable to surgical excision. However, occasional cases which have a sarcomatous transformation may behave more aggressively and warrant adjuvant therapy.
UNASSIGNED: We present the clinicopathological features of a series of 26 cases diagnosed as Spermatocytic tumour at our tertiary cancer institute from 2002-2019.
UNASSIGNED: Twenty-four of these cases had the typical cytological features of a spermatocytic tumour while two cases showed sarcomatous change, one with rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiation and the other being an undifferentiated spindle cell sarcoma. Although the tumor can show varied patterns, the tripartite cytomorphology is typical in all cases.
UNASSIGNED: Careful note of these patterns and variations in histology is essential to prevent an erroneous diagnosis of other testicular neoplasms and guide the therapy.

Most spermatocytic tumors (STs) have an excellent prognosis. In rare instances, metastatic disease has been documented. However, it is unclear if aggressive tumors have specific molecular alterations. Herein, we have studied primary STs with (n = 4) and without (n = 3) anaplastic features, including single-nucleotide polymorphism microarrays for 5 ST (nonanaplastic: 3; anaplastic: 2). The mean age at orchiectomy and tumor size was 49 years and 6.5 cm, respectively. Lymphovascular invasion and necrosis were identified in 3 (of 4, 75%) anaplastic STs, including one with clinically metastatic disease and one with locally aggressive disease. None of the cases in this study exhibited sarcomatoid change. The mean mitotic count was higher in anaplastic tumors (59/10 versus 10/10 high-power fields). All STs in this study were positive for SALL4 and CD117 and negative for OCT3/4 and CD30 (7/7, 100%). SSX-C positivity was identified in all but the locally aggressive anaplastic ST (5 of 6, 83%). All STs showed a consistent gain of chromosome 9 including the locus for the DMRT1 gene (5 of 5 cases, 100%), while gains of chromosome 12p were only seen in 2 (of 2) anaplastic variants. Gains of 12p in anaplastic STs may represent a biomarker of transformation into more aggressive tumors. Alternatively, STs with gain of 12p may represent an intermediate state between type II and type III germ cell tumors. Future studies are needed to validate whether gain of 12p is a consistent feature of STs with anaplastic morphology and its association with aggressive clinical behavior.