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Epidermoid Cysts of the Testicle: Sonographic and MR Imaging Features

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to analyze the appearance of testicular epidermoid cysts on high-resolution sonography and MR imaging and correlate imaging features with histopathologic findings.

CONCLUSION. Intratesticular epidemıoid cysts may show imaging features that correlate with their histopathologic findings. Concentric rings of alternating hypo- and hyperechogenicity on sonography and alternating high and low signal intensity on MR imaging (‘ıonion ringı appearance) correspond to the pathologic finding of multiple layers of keratin debris. Absence of flow on color Doppler sonography and absence of contrast enhancement on MR imaging is als consistent with the avascular nature of these lesions. The ability of preoperative imaging studies to suggest the diagnosis of epidermoid cyst may prompt a testis-sparing surgery instead of an orchiectomy.

Epidermoid cysts account for approximately l-2% of all resected testicular masses  [I , 2]. There is evidence that these lesions have a benign biologic behavior and no malignant potential [3. 4]. Therefore, if the diagnosis can be suggested preoperatively. enucleation of the lesion can be performed rather than orchiectomy. the standard surgical treatment for potentially malignant testicular masses [3-5]. We describe five consecutive patients at a single institution in whom the diagnosis of epidermoid cyst of the testicle was surgically confirmed and correlate imaging findings with histopathology.

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