Testicular microlithiasis: what urologists should know. A review of the current literature.

Abstract

IntroductionTesticular 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.Material and methodsA comprehensive literature review was performed using Science Direct and Scopus with MeSH terms and keywords 'testicular microlithiasis', testicular tumor', male infertility'.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionsA 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.