Testicular carcinoma misdiagnosed as hydrocele: lesson to learn

ABSTRACT

About 99% of testicular tumors are malignant though they only constitute about 1-2% of malignant tumors in male. They are more readily accessible to examining fingers than a tumour of any other organ in the body, however too often they escape detection until it has metastasised. Worst error is to plunge a trocar and cannula into the enlarge testis or operating from scrotal approach in the belief that it is a hydrocele. Proper pre-operative assessment and diagnosis has the key role in the life expectancy of patient. Hydrocele and testicular tumor both have different operative approaches. For hydrocele scrotal approach and for tumor inguinal approach is recommended. For tumor, if scrotal approach has been adapted it may result in disaster. Two cases of testicular carcinoma initially diagnosed and operated as cases of hydrocele are reported