Rete cell tumors, also known as rete neoplasms or neoplasias, are a group of rare, benign tumors that originate in the rete testis or rete ovarii, which are structures within the male and female reproductive systems, respectively. The rete testis is a network of tubules located in the testicles that connect the seminiferous tubules to the epididymis, while the rete ovarii comprises small tubules present in the ovary.
Rete cell tumors are typically found incidentally during routine medical examinations or imaging studies, as they often do not cause noticeable symptoms. These tumors are histologically characterized by the presence of large, polygonal cells with abundant cytoplasm and vesicular nuclei. They are composed of diverse cell types, including clear cells, hobnail cells, or cells resembling sertoli or granulosa cells.
Although rete cell tumors are mostly benign, they can be locally aggressive and invade surrounding tissues. In very rare cases, they may display malignant behavior and metastasize to other parts of the body. Treatment of rete cell tumors usually involves surgical excision, particularly if the tumor is symptomatic or growing in size. Regular follow-ups are recommended to monitor the progression of these tumors.
Given their rarity, rete cell tumors are still not well-understood, and more research is needed to fully comprehend their etiology, prognosis, and optimal treatment approaches.
