Testicular microlithiasis heralding mixed germ cell tumor of the testis in a boy.
The clinical implications of the association between testicular microlithiasis (TM) and germ cell tumor (GCT) of the testis are still debated since the natural history of incidentally discovered TM has not been defined. Therefore, it is questionable whether TM can be considered as a precursor of malignancy. We are reporting the case of a 9-yr-old boy with a mixed GCT who had presented 3 yr earlier with TM and hydrocele. This evolution suggests that testicular GCT may develop some years later in a boy with pre-existing and incidentally discovered TM. Our case history and other reports of the literature might suggest a strong association between both conditions, thus vindicating the view that individuals with TM should have clinical and ultrasound follow-up. Longitudinal evaluation may be particularly indicated in the patients with additional testicular dysgenetic features, apart from TM.
Arrigo
T
T
Department of Pediatrics, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
Messina
M F
MF
Valenzise
M
M
Rosano
M
M
Alaggio
R
R
Cecchetto
G
G
Zirilli
G
G
De Luca
F
F
D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D020347:Lithiasis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D009373:Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D013733:Testicular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D014463:Ultrasonography