Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Testicular microlithiasis
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Testicular microlithiasis is a rare condition found in 0.5% of men that causes calcium formations on the testicles. It is an asymptomatic, non-progressive disease. This disease is detected by an ultrasound, usually when the patient is being checked for something else, such as testicular cancer. In 80% of cases, both testicles are affected.
Testicular microlithiasis is not a serious condition, however, some studies have shown that it may increase the risk of developing testicular cancer. There is no cure or treatment for testicular microlithiasis, however, patients are regularly monitored via ultrasound to make sure that other conditions do not develop.
This disease has been associated with testicular cancer, cryptorchidism, infertility and intraepithelial germ cell neoplasia. Some sources report that testicular cancer is found in 40% of patients with testicular microlithiasis.
Ultrasound
- Small nonshadowing hyperechoic foci ranging in diameter from 1 to 3 mm.
- These occur within the testicular parenchyma but may be distributed peripherally or segmentally.
- Testicular microlithiasis usually occurs bilaterally
Patient #1
Patient #2: US images demonstrate testicular microlithiasis
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]