P47 Case Report - Benign Capillary Haemangioma of the Testicle, a Mimicker of Germinal Cell Tumours

Published Date: 05th December 2024

Publication Authors: Pamballi. J, Pinto. MJR

Background
Capillary haemangioma of the testis is a very rare primary intratesticular vascular tumour with less than 100 cases in the literature. A benign entity, with most cases reported in patients younger than 20 years of age, presenting with unilateral testicular enlargement, a palpable mass or pain. Demographic, clinical and imaging characteristics resemble those of malignant germinal cell tumours and the distinction is extremely difficult preoperatively. The importance of intraoperative recognition via frozen section is highlighted in the literature, as it can lead to a less radical treatment with tumour enucleation and preservation of the testis.

Purpose
We present the case of a 22 year old male with a capillary haemangioma of the testis, to bring attention to this rare entity and primary intratesticular vascular tumours.

Methods
A 22 year old male presented with a palpable testicular lump. On imaging, a 10 mm nodule was noted with a hypoechoic outer rim, demonstrating internal vascularity. Serum tumour markers were normal. A radical orchidectomy was performed.

Results
A 12 mm well defined nodule was noted on dissection with a focally haemorrhagic cut surface. This corresponded to a well-defined lesion composed of densely packed, thin walled capillaries lined by endothelial cells lacking cytological atypia, positive for vascular markers (CD31, CD34). A possible regressed germ cell tumour was excluded by extensive sampling and appropriate immunohistochemistry. The case was referred to the regional tertiary urology centre where our diagnosis of a capillary haemangioma was confirmed.

Conclusions
Capillary haemangioma of the testis is a benign, rare entity mostly presenting in young adults and should form part of the differential of a unilateral testicular tumour. Though on imaging it demonstrates similar features to a germ cell tumour, this is a benign entity, and a potentially less radical operative approach could be employed with appropriate preoperative diagnosis.

Pamballi, J; Pinto, MJR. (2024). P47 Case Report - Benign Capillary Haemangioma of the Testicle, a Mimicker of Germinal Cell Tumours. Journal of Pathology. 264(S2), p.S34. [Online]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/path.6365 [Accessed 6 February 2026]