Relevance of testicular microlithiasis to the testicular carcinoma in situ in the contralateral testicle

摘要

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of testicular microlithiasis (TM) in the contralateral testis of patients with unilateral testicular tumor, and evaluate the association of TM with carcinoma in situ (CIS) MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a period of 12 years, ultrasonography was performed in 41 patients with unilateral testicular tumor. TM was defined as multiple small hyperechogenic foci. Only images of the tumor-free testis were reviewed. In addition, archived biopsy specimens of the contralateral testicle were reviewed after immunostaining for placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) as a marker for CIS. RESULTS: TM was diagnosed in 11 (26.8%) patients. Of them, microliths were pathologically confirmed in only 2. Prevalence of CIS was higher in patients with TM (2 of 11 patients) than in those without TM (0 of 30 patients, p = 0.017) CONCLUSION: TM was associated with testicular tumor. TM in the contralateral testis of patients with unilateral testicular tumor may increase the risk of CIS.