Testicular microlithiasis in a UK population: its incidence, associations and follow‐up

Abstract

Objectives To determine the incidence of testicular microlithiasis in men presenting for testicular ultrasonography, to identify any associated pathology (with particular reference to testicular neoplasia) and to report the follow‐up of those patients in whom testicular microlithiasis was identified. Patients and methods In this retrospective study, the results of all testicular ultrasonography undertaken between July 1995 and March 1998 in a district general hospital were reviewed. The records of all patients diagnosed ultrasonographically to have testicular microlithiasis were retrieved and the pathology database was accessed for all testicular tumours diagnosed in the same period. Results During the study period 2215 scans were taken; 34 cases of testicular microlithiasis were identified, giving an incidence of 1.4%. Thirty‐one testicular tumours were removed during the same period. Of the 34 cases with testicular microlithiasis, five had histologically confirmed testicular tumours (15%). The incidence of testicular tumours in the scans showing no microlithiasis was 26 in 2181 (1.1%). The differential incidence of tumours in the two groups is statistically significant (P < 0.001, chi‐square analysis). Patients with testicular microlithiasis but no tumour were followed up for a median (range) of 41 (19–54) months; no interval tumours have developed to date. Conclusion This study confirms an incidence of testicular microlithiasis comparable with that in other reported series, albeit in a selected population. There was a strong association between testicular microlithiasis and testicular tumours. Whether this is a causal relationship has yet to be determined. Careful clinical and ultrasonographic follow‐up of these patients is therefore recommended until the significance of testicular microlithiasis is clear.

Testicular microlithiasis: clinical significance and review of the literature

“…To determine this, long-term prospective studies are needed. Until these studies are performed, it seems prudent to follow up patients with TM with physical examination and US at least annually [51]. It is also important to encourage and educate about self-examination since this may result in early detection of GCT [8].…”

Testicular microlithiasis: Analysis of prevalence and associated testicular cancer in Taiwanese men

“…A number of retrospective and prospective studies showed that the incidence of TM varies from 0.6% to 18%. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] However, the methodology of the studies varied, with a wide variety of US scanners and transducers used, and different methods for identifying the TM.…”

Testicular microlithiasis an ultrasound dilemma: survey of opinions regarding significance and management amongst UK ultrasound practitioners

“…Five of these studies did not show interval development of TGCT. [17][18][19][20][21] In 3 studies, interval development of TGCT was documented. In the first study, 63 males were screened with ultrasound and 1 developed a TGCT at 5-year follow-up, 22 and in the other 2 prospective studies, 3 patients developed interval tumours; however, all had co-existing risk factors for TGCT.…”