Testicular microlithiasis: prevalence and risk of concurrent and interval development of testicular tumor in a referred population.
OBJECTIVE
To identify prevalence of testicular microlithiasis on ultrasound in a referred population and risk of concurrent and interval testicular tumor development.


METHODS
Retrospective review of our radiology database revealed 4363 scrotal ultrasounds were performed over a six-year period. Ultrasound findings were correlated with our hospital pathological database. The association of intratesticular microlithiasis and confirmed testicular cancers were assessed by means of a Fisher exact test.


RESULTS
Testicular microlithiasis was identified in 32 of the 4259 patients (0.75% of screened population). In the same time period 83 testicular tumors were identified on initial scanning (2.00% of screened population). Three patients with tumor had coexisting microlithiasis (9.4% incidence), whilst a further two had interval development of tumor. The follow-up of the microlithiasis patients ranged from 3 to 72 months (mean 33.9 months, median 40 months).


CONCLUSIONS
Interval development of testicular tumor is a documented phenomenon. As the incidence in detection of microlithiasis increases secondary to advances in ultrasound technology, follow-up becomes financially prohibitive. We advocate regular self-examination as the primary follow-up of otherwise well patients with testicular microlithiasis.
Ahmad
Imran
I
Department of Urology, Ayr Hospital, Dalmellington Road, Ayr, KA6 6DX, UK. imranahmad@boctors.net.uk
Krishna
Nalagatla Sarath
NS
Clark
Ross
R
Nairn
Robert
R
Al-Saffar
Naels
N
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002137:Calculi / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013733:Testicular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014463:Ultrasonography