Testicular microlithiasis refers to small clusters of calcium seen on ultrasound examination of the testicles. This condition is rare, occurring in as few as 2 percent of males. The relationship between testicular microlithiasis and testicular cancer is uncertain.
Testicular microlithiasis has many possible causes, such as infections, trauma and cancer. Most studies of testicular microlithiasis have evaluated men who have had testicular ultrasounds done for some other reason, such as swelling, pain or infertility. In these studies, there appears to be a small association between microlithiasis and testicular cancer. But there's no evidence that microlithiasis causes cancer.
The only study done on asymptomatic, healthy males found no association between testicular microlithiasis and cancer. But study participants were followed for only a limited period. So it's uncertain whether those with microlithiasis will eventually develop cancer at a higher rate than those who do not have microlithiasis.
If testicular microlithiasis is noted on an ultrasound done for some other reason, your doctor may recommend close follow-up with annual repeat testicular ultrasound scans.
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