title: Clinical aspects of testicular microlithiasis in boys: a review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  After review of the pediatric literature, we report on the prevalence of testicular microlithiasis and its relation with benign and malign entities. We provide a guideline for the management of boys with testicular microlithiasis.
  
  
  METHODS
  The databases searched were Medline, Web of Science, Embase and the Cochrane Library. Data on the rates of testicular microlithiasis were collected and from each study information was extracted on the study population according to country, study design, diagnostic method, type of patient, number of patients, age, associated anomalies, additional diagnostic methods and follow-up information. From the 472 articles, we selected 126 articles as potentially relevant, of which 57 were included.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In asymptomatic boys, the prevalence of testicular microlithiasis is 4.2% and in symptomatic referrals it is 1.6%. The development of a testicular malignancy is occasionally reported after diagnosis of testicular microlithiasis. The management of boys with testicular microlithiasis varies widely. Most authors recommend regular self-examination, and some perform testicular ultrasound and/or screen tumor markers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The prevalence of testicular microlithiasis in boys varies between 1.1% and 4.2%. For follow-up, regular self-examination is advised from the age of 15 years.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, Medical Centre Alkmaar, Wilhelminalaan 12, 1815 JD Alkmaar, The Netherlands. j.goede@mca.nl
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Goede
authors.forename: W W M
authors.initials: WW
authors.lastname: Hack
mesh_terms: D019468:Disease Management; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D020347:Lithiasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D013733:Testicular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy