Testicular microlithiasis, a premalignant condition: Prevalence, histopathologic findings, and relation to testicular tumor

Objectives. To perform a retrospective analysis concerning the prevalence of testicular microlithiasis (TMJ. in patients with TM, the association of TM with testicular tumor, histopathologic findings, and follow-up were studied. Methods. During a 6-year period at the Central Military Hospital or the University Medical Center in Utrecht, The Netherlands, ultrasonography of the testis was performed in 1535 patients. Patient records, ultrasound images, and histopathologic specimens were reviewed. Follow-up was performed in patients with TM. Results. In 63 patients (4.1%), with a mean age of 35.4 years (range 19 to 74), TM was diagnosed at ultrasonography. In 29 of these patients (46%), a concomitant testicular tumor was diagnosed. A statistically significant correlation was found between TM and the presence of a testicular tumor (P Conclusions, A correlation was found between TM and testicular tumor. Because an increasing number of studies have reported patients with TM who developed a testicular tumor, TM should be regarded as a premalignant condition, which necessitates follow-up. Urologists should consider testis biopsy in patients with TM. UROLOGY 57: 1133-1137, 2001. (C) 2001, Elsevier Science Inc