Testicular Mesothelioma
Table Of Contents
Testicular mesothelioma is the rarest asbestos-related cancer. It forms in the lining of the testes. Symptoms include a buildup of fluid and painful swelling of the testes. The 5-year survival rate for testicular mesothelioma is 49%.
Written by Dr. Daniel Landau, MD | Medically Reviewed by Dr. Jacques Fontaine | Edited by Amy Edel | Last Update:
"The Patient Advocates are absolutely amazing and helpful! I ...." see more
Pamela K. - Mesothelioma Patient
"I found out about The Mesothelioma Center while researching ...." see more
Karen F. - Mesothelioma Patient
"I reached out and talked to Aaron a couple of weeks before m...." see more
Stan B. - Mesothelioma Patient
"My brother was recently diagnosed with mesothelioma. I began...." see more
Cindy W. - Sister of a Mesothelioma Patient
"My Dad was diagnosed with mesothelioma, and thankfully The M...." see more
Patrick K. - Son of a Mesothelioma Patient
What Is Testicular Mesothelioma?
Testicular mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that forms in the lining of the testes, known as the tunica vaginalis. Accounting for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases, it’s linked to asbestos exposure, similar to pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma.
Key Facts About Testicular Mesothelioma
- Like other forms of mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is a primary risk factor.
- Common symptoms include lumps, swelling and fluid buildup in the scrotum.
- Because it’s very rare and symptoms are the same as those for more common conditions, diagnosis is challenging.
- It’s often diagnosed earlier than other mesothelioma types, making its prognosis generally more favorable.
Testicular mesothelioma typically forms small tumors or nodules on the tunica vaginalis and often causes fluid buildup known as a hydrocele. Doctors have documented only a few hundred cases worldwide since the disease was first identified, underscoring its extreme rarity and the limited knowledge about its progression and clinical behavior compared to other mesothelioma types.
Testicular Mesothelioma Symptoms
The most common symptoms of testicular mesothelioma are swelling or lumps in the testes, pain or discomfort in the scrotum and fluid buildup, known as hydrocele. These symptoms can be concerning and similar to those of other, less severe conditions, such as hernias or infections. This overlap can lead to misdiagnosis or delays in receiving the correct treatment.
Key Testicular Mesothelioma Symptoms
- Change in the size or shape of the testes.
- Fatigue or unexplained weight loss.
- Fluid buildup in the scrotum (hydrocele).
- Painful ejaculation or discomfort during sexual activity.
- Pain or discomfort in the scrotum or testes.
- Swelling or lumps in one or both testes.
It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience any persistent symptoms, even mild ones. Early diagnosis is vital, leading to better treatment options and outcomes. If you or someone you know has a history of asbestos exposure and develops these symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional.
Expert Take
Dr. Jacques Fontaine: How Your Tumor Location Affects Your Mesothelioma Treatment
Mesothelioma is a cancer coming from mesothelial lining. We have mesothelial lining around our lungs and our chest called pleura. We have mesothelial lining around our abdomen, peritoneal mesothelioma, and we also have mesothelial lining around the testicles as well as the pericardium.
Mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the lining of the mesothelial cells, can occur around the heart, pericardial mesothelioma, quite rare, and occur around the lungs, the pleural cavity, that’s called pleural mesothelioma, the most common type.
And the second most common type is around the intestine, around the belly, that’s called peritoneal type, and extremely rarely around the testicles. Of the different locations, the treatment in terms of chemotherapy or immunotherapy does not differ.
What makes us decide to use chemotherapy versus immunotherapy is not the location of the mesothelioma, but rather the subtype, meaning how does it look like under a microscope, the histological subtype. Is it epithelial, or is it sarcomatoid, or is it mixed? Now in terms of surgery, the surgery differs obviously in terms of the location in the body. So if we have pleural mesothelioma, we usually have a tendency to remove the whole lining around the lung, the lining around the chest wall, the lining around the heart and the diaphragm. If it’s perineal mesothelioma, we make an incision on the belly, and then we remove the lining around the belly, on the intestines, the capsule, sometimes around the liver, and the rectum. So the type of surgery differs in terms of location, but the type of systemic therapy, chemo or immunotherapy, is the same irrespective of the location of the mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the lining of the mesothelial cells, can occur around the heart, pericardial mesothelioma, quite rare, and occur around the lungs, the pleural cavity, that’s called pleural mesothelioma, the most common type.
And the second most common type is around the intestine, around the belly, that’s called peritoneal type, and extremely rarely around the testicles. Of the different locations, the treatment in terms of chemotherapy or immunotherapy does not differ.
What makes us decide to use chemotherapy versus immunotherapy is not the location of the mesothelioma, but rather the subtype, meaning how does it look like under a microscope, the histological subtype. Is it epithelial, or is it sarcomatoid, or is it mixed? Now in terms of surgery, the surgery differs obviously in terms of the location in the body. So if we have pleural mesothelioma, we usually have a tendency to remove the whole lining around the lung, the lining around the chest wall, the lining around the heart and the diaphragm. If it’s perineal mesothelioma, we make an incision on the belly, and then we remove the lining around the belly, on the intestines, the capsule, sometimes around the liver, and the rectum. So the type of surgery differs in terms of location, but the type of systemic therapy, chemo or immunotherapy, is the same irrespective of the location of the mesothelioma.
Causes and Risk Factors for Testicular Mesothelioma
Testicular mesothelioma primarily develops from asbestos exposure, similar to other forms of mesothelioma. However, its extreme rarity limits research into the exact connection between asbestos and this cancer.
Asbestos exposure happens when tiny fibers enter the body through inhalation or ingestion and cause severe health effects over time. Occupational risks include jobs in construction such as carpenters, military service including veterans who worked as mechanics or pilots, and industries like manufacturing, mining and shipbuilding.
Genetic predisposition or previous cancers may increase the risk of testicular mesothelioma among those exposed to asbestos but understanding of these links remains limited. Doctors still don’t fully understand how asbestos causes tumors to form specifically on the membrane that covers the testes. Unlike pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma, this type may have unique exposure or development patterns.
Diagram shows where testicular mesothelioma forms on the tunica vaginalis.
Diagnosis of Testicular Mesothelioma
Doctors often diagnose testicular mesothelioma during or after surgery. Physical exams and imaging tests are often part of the diagnostic process, but a biopsy is the definitive way to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis.
A biopsy involves removing a tissue sample from the tumor and sending it to the lab for testing. Staining of the sample helps doctors identify mesothelioma cells.
Standard Diagnostic Exams
- Biopsies: A biopsy involves taking a small tissue sample from the testicle for laboratory analysis. This is the most definitive method for diagnosing testicular mesothelioma, as it allows doctors to confirm the presence of mesothelioma cells and distinguish the condition from other testicular issues.
- CT scans: Computed tomography scans provide detailed images of the abdomen and pelvis. They can help detect tumors and determine if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or organs.
- Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create images of the testes. It helps doctors identify abnormal growths or fluid accumulation, which may indicate mesothelioma or other conditions.
Because it’s similar to other conditions like testicular cancer or benign cysts, many cases are often misdiagnosed. A biopsy is essential to rule out other testicular conditions. Early diagnosis improves patient outcomes.