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Testicular microlithiasis and testicular cancer: review of the literature

  • Urology - Review
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Abstract

Purpose

To perform a systematic literature review to assess whether the occurrence of testicular microlithiasis (TML) in conjunction with other risk factors is associated with testicular cancer.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed of original articles in English published 1998 to 2015. Relevant studies were selected by reading the title and abstract by two of the authors. Studies were included if TML was diagnosed by ultrasonography and a risk condition was reported. Studies were only eligible if the particular risk condition was reported in more than one article.

Results

In total, 282 abstracts in were identified. Based on title and abstract the eligibility was assessed and 31 studies were included. Five conditions in relation to TML and testicular cancer emerged: Down syndrome, McCune–Albright syndrome, cryptorchidism, infertility and familial disposition of testicular cancer.

Conclusion

Data support the conclusion that TML is not an independent risk factor for testicular cancer but associated with testicular cancer through other conditions. In male infertility, TML appears to be related to an increased risk of testicular cancer possibly as part of a testicular dysgenesis syndrome.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Vejle Hospital, Part of Lillebaelt Hospital, Kabbeltoft 25, 7100, Vejle, Denmark

    Malene Roland Pedersen & Søren Rafael Rafaelsen

  2. Department of Urology, Urological Research Center, Lillebaelt Hospital, Fredericia, Denmark

    Malene Roland Pedersen & Palle Jörn Osther

  3. Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark

    Malene Roland Pedersen, Søren Rafael Rafaelsen & Palle Jörn Osther

  4. Cancer Epidemiology and Population Health, King’s College London, London, UK

    Henrik Møller

  5. Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark

    Henrik Møller & Peter Vedsted

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  1. Malene Roland Pedersen
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Correspondence to Malene Roland Pedersen.

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Pedersen, M.R., Rafaelsen, S.R., Møller, H. et al. Testicular microlithiasis and testicular cancer: review of the literature. Int Urol Nephrol 48, 1079–1086 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11255-016-1267-2

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