Radical orchidectomy for isolated tuberculosis of the testis: Call for restrain on surgeon's knife

Abstract

Isolated testicular tuberculosis (TB) poses a diagnostic challenge even in regions that are known to be endemic for TB. It seldom presents with constitutional symptoms or genitourinary symptoms and can mimic testicular cancer at the initial stages. The dilemma is further compounded by a dearth of facility and expertise for cytohistological diagnosis of cases. The case presented in this report involved a 40-year-old patient that presented with a 7-month history of asymptomatic right testicular swelling with a working diagnosis of testicular cancer for which he had radical orchidectomy. Histology result was consistent with testicular TB. Isolated TB of the testis is a rare form of genitourinary TB, and it can present similar to testicular malignancy. It should be considered as a close differential diagnosis of testicular cancer especially among those residing in TB endemic regions such as Nigeria. Detailed evaluation of testicular lesion is, therefore, necessary to establish a diagnosis and definitive treatment. This could lead to a reduction in the cases of inadvertent orchidectomy as in this case here presented.