Reproductive System, Male

Testis - Sperm Granuloma

Narrative

Comment:

Sperm granulomas are uncommon findings in the testis; they are much more common in the epididymis. They most often occur as a sequel to sperm stasis within a tubule or within the rete testis. Sperm granulomas may progress to disruption of the blood-testis barrier and replacement of the affected seminiferous tubule with granulomatous inflammation. This is most commonly seen as an incidental background lesion.

Recommendations:

Sperm granulomas should be diagnosed whenever present. It is not necessary to grade sperm granulomas, unless the pathologist feels that grading would help identify the lesion as being treatment-related. Associated lesions, such as degeneration, should be diagnosed separately.

All Images

Testis - Sperm granuloma in a male hamster. Though this example of a sperm granuloma is from a hamster, its appearance in a mouse or rat would be the same.