What does bilateral testicular microlithiasis mean?

Testicular microlithiasis (tes-TIK-yoo-lur my-kroh-lih-THIE-uh-sis) is a condition in which small clusters of calcium form in the testicles. It can be detected on an ultrasound exam of the scrotum. Several studies show a relationship between testicular microlithiasis and testicular cancer.

What causes bilateral Microlithiasis?

The cause is unknown, but this condition has been associated with testicular cancer in a small group of individuals, cryptorchidism, mumps, infertility and intraepithelial germ cell neoplasia.

Is testicular calcification normal?

Summary: Testicular microlithiasis is common and while microcalcifications do exist in roughly 50% of germ cell tumors the majority of men with testicular microlithiasis will not develop testicular cancer.

Can Microlithiasis cause infertility?

Testicular microlithiasis (TM) is an uncommon pathologic condition that is commonly diagnosed by scrotal ultrasonography. Indirect evidence suggests that this syndrome may be associated with an increased risk of testicular malignancy and infertility.

Is Testicular Microlithiasis genetic?

Testicular microlithiasis appeared to cluster in certain families. These findings suggest both a familial predisposition to TM and an association between TM and FTGCT. If proven, this could be clinically important to men in FTGCT families, and may be useful in identifying specific genes involved in FTGCT.

Can you feel testicular Microlithiasis?

[22] Mostly, the presentation is asymptomatic and is often diagnosed with imaging. There are reports of painful testicular microlithiasis. [23] The mechanism of pain was suggested to be distension of seminiferous tubules.

What is bilateral varicocele?

A varicocele (VAR-ih-koe-seel) is an enlargement of the veins within the loose bag of skin that holds your testicles (scrotum). A varicocele is similar to a varicose vein you might see in your leg. Varicoceles are a common cause of low sperm production and decreased sperm quality, which can cause infertility.

What is testicular calcification?

Testicular microlithiasis is a relatively uncommon condition that represents the deposition of multiple tiny calcifications throughout both testes. The most common criterion for diagnosis is that of five microcalcifications in one testis, although definitions have varied in the past.

Is Testicular Microlithiasis hereditary?

Does testicular Microlithiasis affect sperm?

There were no significant differences in sperm count, motility, or morphology in terms of sperm function between infertile men with or without TM. Our results suggest that, although there is a significant association between TM and infertility, it seems unwise to expect an adverse effect of TM on seminal profile.