Rete tubular ectasia, also known ascystic transformation of rete testis[1] is abenign condition, usually found in older men, involving numerous small, tubularcystic structures within therete testis.
It is usually found in men older than 55 years and is frequently found on bilateral testes but is often asymmetrical.[1]
The formation of cysts in the rete testis is associated with the obstruction of theefferent ducts, which connect the rete testis with the head of theepididymis. They are often bilateral.[2]
The condition can be detected with ultrasonography. Cystic lesions us usually found at themediastinum testis with elongated shaped lesions displacing the mediastinum.[1] It is commonly associated with epididymal abnormalities, such asspermatocele,epididymal cyst, andepididymitis. The condition shares a common location withcystic dysplasia of thetestis andintratesticular cysts. Unlike cystic neoplasms, they don't present specific tumor markers.[3] Another distinguishing feature is that tubular ectasia of the testes is confined only to the mediastinum, unliketesticular cancer such as cysticteratoma of the testis which spreads throughout the testis.[1]
Typically none is required, but they can be treated surgically if symptomatic.[3]
