Clinical aspects of testicular microlithiasis in boys: A review

ObjectiveAfter 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.Materials and methodsThe 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.ResultsIn 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.ConclusionThe 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.