Testicular microlithiasis is a finding incidental to the ultrasound examination of the scrotum. This article presents some new data regarding the etiopathology of testicular microliths. As there is a growing body of literature available, which associates testicular microlithiasis with a testicular germ cell tumor or male infertility, our review focuses on these relations (based on a new meta-analysis and retrospective follow-up programs). The purpose of this review is to summarize the knowledge about testicular microlithiasis and discuss the latest recommendations.
A comprehensive literature review was performed using Science Direct and Scopus with MeSH terms and keywords 'testicular microlithiasis', testicular tumor', male infertility'.
The clinical consequences of testicular microlithiasis depend on the co-occurrence of specific risk factors. The presence of testicular microlithiasis alone in the absence of risk factors is not an indication for further investigation.
A link between testicular microlithiasis and testicular cancer as well as male infertility has been analyzed. Follow-up is only recommended where risk factors of testicular cancer other than testicular microlithiasis are present.
Central European journal of urology. 2018 Aug 21 [Epub]
Krzysztof Balawender, Stanisław Orkisz, Paweł Wisz
Morphological Science Department of Human Anatomy, Medical Faculty University of Rzeszów, Poland., Department of Physiology, Medical Faculty University of Rzeszów, Poland.