# Testicular Metastasis From Small Cell Lung Carcinoma: A Case Report

**Authors:** Rim Alami, Reyzane El Mjabber, Asmaa Naim, Nabil Ismaili, Sanaa El Majjaoui

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.100048 · Cureus · 2025-12-25

## TL;DR

A rare case of testicular metastasis from small cell lung cancer is reported, highlighting diagnostic challenges and the importance of clinical context.

## Contribution

This case report adds to the limited literature on testicular metastasis from SCLC and emphasizes the sanctuary-site concept.

## Key findings

- Testicular metastasis from SCLC is rare and difficult to diagnose without histologic confirmation.
- Systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy were used in a patient with disseminated disease and declining health.
- Clinical context is crucial when histologic confirmation is not possible.

## Abstract

Testicular involvement from small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) is extremely uncommon and diagnostically challenging. Awareness of this rare metastatic pattern is essential, particularly in patients presenting with new scrotal symptoms during disease progression.

We report the case of a 61-year-old North African male patient with previously treated SCLC who developed progressive right testicular enlargement at metastatic relapse. Scrotal ultrasound described a 41-mm heterogeneous intratesticular mass. Serum alpha fetoprotein and β-HCG were within normal limits. No orchiectomy was performed due to disseminated disease, declining performance status, and the lack of therapeutic benefit of local surgery. Ultrasound images could not be retrieved, but the radiology report was available. The patient underwent systemic chemotherapy rechallenge and palliative radiotherapy.

This case illustrates the diagnostic challenges of testicular metastasis in advanced SCLC, highlights the sanctuary-site concept, and emphasizes the importance of clinical context when histologic confirmation is not feasible.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** small cell lung carcinoma (MONDO:0008433)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** AFP (alpha fetoprotein) [NCBI Gene 174] {aka AFPD, FETA, HPAFP}
- **Diseases:** SCLC (MESH:D055752), Testicular Metastasis (MESH:D009362), testicular enlargement (OMIM:300888)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

2 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12831161/full.md

## References

14 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12831161/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12831161