Tuberculous epididymo-orchitis mimicking a testicular tumour: a case report

KB Badmos

Abstract

Introduction: Isolated tuberculous epididymo-orchitis may closely mimic testicular tumour particularly in patients with no history of systemic TB thereby presenting a diagnostic and treatment challenges.

Case report: A 44-year old man presented with 4 months history of left scrotal mass and had left orchidectomy following a presumptive diagnosis of testicular tumour. Histopathological diagnosis of testicular tuberculosis was subsequently made. Although the patient was thereafter referred for antituberculosis treatment at the local tuberculosis treatment centre, he defaulted after commencing treatment.

Conclusion: Adequate evaluation of patients with testicular mass by means of abdominal and scrotal ultrasound coupled with fine needle aspiration cytology is critical to diagnostic accuracy, optimal treatment and possibility of avoiding surgery in those with testicular tuberculosis.

Keywords: Tuberculosis, epididymo-orchitis, ultrasound, cytology.