Microlitíasis testicular como factor de riesgo para cáncer testicular en la edad pediátrica en el Hospital Dr. Roberto Gilbert Elizalde, periodo 2013 – 2020.

Abstract

Testicular microlithiasis is a rare pathology in pediatrics characterized by intraluminal microcalcifications in the seminiferous tubules. The cause is not defined and constitutes an incidental ultrasound finding associated with multiple inflammatory and tumor pathologies. Several studies have shown an association between testicular microlithiasis and testicular neoplasia, so the objective of this study is to determine whether microlithiasis is a risk factor for the development of testicular cancer in childhood. Methodology: From 2013 to 2020, in the Urology service of the Dr. Roberto Gilbert Hospital, in a period of 6 years, a total of 76 patients were collected who reported testicular microcalcifications by ultrasound. The most frequent age of diagnosis was 13 years (+/- 4 years). It was predominantly bilateral (n = 64, 84%), classic type (n = 71, 93%), and diffuse pattern (89.5%). The most common associated medical conditions were cryptorchidism (n = 26, 34%) and varicocele (n = 16, 21%). Five of the 76 patients underwent testicular biopsy (7%), 2 of them had elevated tumor markers (40%). It was observed that 3 of 76 patients (4%) had elevated tumor markers. All 5 boys undergoing testicular biopsy (100%) reported negative for malignancy. Conclusions: There is no evidence that testicular microlithiasis alone is a risk factor for testicular cancer in childhood. Children with risk factors associated with testicular microlithiasis should undergo a more frequent ultrasound examination between 6 months and 12 months, together with the determination of tumor markers and self-examination, for which it is necessary to create a consensual protocol. More aggressive tests such as testicular biopsy are not justified in all cases of testicular microlithiasis.