Testicular microlithiasis: what urologists should know. A review of the current literature

INTRODUCTION: Testicular microlithiasis is a finding incidental to the ultrasound examination of the scrotum. This article presents some new data regarding the etiopathology of testicular microliths. As there is a growing body of literature available, which associates testicular microlithiasis with a testicular germ cell tumor or male infertility, our review focuses on these relations (based on a new meta-analysis and retrospective follow-up programs). The purpose of this review is to summarize the knowledge about testicular microlithiasis and discuss the latest recommendations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was performed using Science Direct and Scopus with MeSH terms and keywords 'testicular microlithiasis', testicular tumor', male infertility'. RESULTS: The clinical consequences of testicular microlithiasis depend on the co-occurrence of specific risk factors. The presence of testicular microlithiasis alone in the absence of risk factors is not an indication for further investigation. CONCLUSIONS: A link between testicular microlithiasis and testicular cancer as well as male infertility has been analyzed. Follow-up is only recommended where risk factors of testicular cancer other than testicular microlithiasis are present.