Significance of testicular microlithiasis.
BACKGROUND
Testicular microlithiasis is an uncommon condition characterized by calcifications within the seminiferous tubules. The true prevalence in a normal population has not been defined.


METHODS
A review of the literature with emphasis on the connection between testicular microlithiasis and testicular malignancy was carried out.


RESULTS
Testicular microlithiasis is associated with different testicular pathologies, including testicular cancer. However, a direct causative connection between testicular microlithiasis and testicular pathologies is not supported by the literature.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with testicular microlithiasis should be followed up regularly. Further investigations concerning the etiology of testicular microlithiasis remain to be done.
Zastrow
Stefan
S
Department of Urology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany. Stefan.Zastrow@uniklinikum-dresden.de
Hakenberg
Oliver W
OW
Wirth
Manfred P
MP
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D020347:Lithiasis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D013733:Testicular Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology