First Case of Neuroblastoma‐Like Somatic‐Type Malignancy Arising in the Teratomatous Component of a Mixed Non‐Seminomatous Testicular Germ Cell Tumor in an Adult

TL;DR

This paper reports the first case of a rare testicular tumor with neuroblastoma-like features arising in a teratoma, highlighting the challenges in diagnosis and treatment.

Contribution

The paper presents the first documented case of neuroblastoma-like somatic-type malignancy in a testicular teratoma.

Findings

The patient, a 25-year-old male, had a mixed non-seminomatous germ cell tumor with teratomatous and embryonal carcinoma components.

Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed neuroblastoma differentiation within the teratoma.

The patient achieved complete remission after orchiectomy and chemotherapy.

Abstract

Somatic malignant transformation (SMT) in germ cell tumors (GCTs) is a rare but clinically significant event. Among non‐seminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCTs), teratomas can undergo malignant transformation, with neuroblastoma‐like differentiation being exceptionally rare. No standardized treatment protocols exist, and management is typically extrapolated from conventional approaches for GCTs and neuroblastoma. We report the first documented case of neuroblastoma arising within a testicular teratoma in a 25‐year‐old male presenting with a painless right testicular mass. Serum tumor markers showed elevated beta‐hCG, while AFP and LDH were normal. Imaging revealed no metastases. Radical orchiectomy was performed, and histopathology confirmed a mixed NSGCT with teratomatous and minor embryonal carcinoma components, with immunohistochemistry confirming neuroblastoma differentiation. The tumor was staged as pT1 (AJCC 8th edition). The patient completed four cycles of chemotherapy and remains in complete remission. Neuroblastoma arising within a testicular teratoma is an exceptionally rare occurrence, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Early diagnosis, histopathological evaluation, and multidisciplinary management are crucial for optimal outcomes. Further research is needed to refine treatment strategies for such rare malignancies.

This case highlights the first documented occurrence of neuroblastoma arising within a testicular teratoma, expanding the spectrum of SMT in GCTs. Given the rarity and chemoresistance of such malignancies, early recognition, comprehensive histopathological assessment, and multidisciplinary management are essential for optimizing patient outcomes. This case underscores the need for further research to establish standardized treatment protocols for SMT in GCTs.

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