TESTICULAR MICROLITHIASIS - A BENIGN CONDITION WITH A MALIGNANT ASSOCIATION

Testicular microlithiasis (TM), which usually affects both testes, is diagnosed primarily by ultrasound. TM has been found to be associated with benign conditions but has also been reported in association with testicular cancer. Echographically, TM is manifested by diffuse, punct ate, non-shadowing, hyperechoic foci within the testicular parenchyma. To date, more than 80 cases of TM have been documented sonographicall y or pathologically; 25 of them have demonstrated an association with pathologically proven testicular cancer (p < 0.05). Thirty-two cases w ere associated with infertility/subfertility (p < 0.05). We believe th e finding of TM on ultrasound should heighten the radiologist's suspic ion of testicular malignancy. If no malignancy is identified on initia l evaluation including CT of the chest and abdomen, close clinical fol low-up with periodic (every 6 to 12 months) scrotal ultrasound examina tion is probably indicated. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.