Testicular microlithiasis

Testicular microlithiasis is a rare condition found in 0.5% of men that causes calcium formations on the testicles. It is an asymptomatic, non-progressive disease. This disease is detected by an ultrasound, usually when the patient is being checked for something else, such as testicular cancer. In 80% of cases, both testicles are affected.

Testicular microlithiasis is not a serious condition, however, some studies have shown that it may increase the risk of developing testicular cancer. There is no cure or treatment for testicular microlithiasis, however, patients are regularly monitored via ultrasound to make sure that other conditions do not develop.

This disease has been associated with testicular cancer, cryptorchidism, infertility and intraepithelial germ cell neoplasia. Microcalcifications are present in roughly 50% of germ cell tumors, but the majority of men with testicular microlithiasis will not develop testicular cancer. Emphasis on testicular examination is the recommended follow up for men identified with testicular microlithiasis.

External links

* [http://rad.usuhs.edu/medpix/medpix.html?mode=image_finder&action=search&srchstr=testicular%20microlithiasis&srch_type=all#top Images of Testicular Microlithiasis]