About this Research Topic
Testicular microlithiasis is identified through ultrasound by the presence of small calcium deposits within the testicular tissue, appearing as multiple pinpoint, bright spots ranging from 1 to 3 mm in size without casting a shadow behind them. Typically, the diagnosis is confirmed when there are more than five of these microliths per testicle.
These incidental intra-testicular findings are often stumbled upon during routine examinations. They can occur independently or alongside benign conditions such as spermatic cord torsion, undescended testes, hydrocele, testicular shrinkage, or infections involving the testicles and epididymis. Additionally, they have been observed in conjunction with other medical conditions like Down syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, certain forms of intersexuality, alveolar microlithiasis, and sympathetic nervous system disorders.
Despite being recognized for some time, testicular microlithiasis remains relatively obscure and uncommon in clinical practice. The underlying causes of this condition are still unidentified, and its prevalence is uncertain due to its asymptomatic nature, making it challenging to gauge its frequency in the general population. Long-term outcomes are unclear, with potential associations with cancer or infertility, and there's no established consensus on management and monitoring protocols.
The scope of this Research Topic is therefore to open discussions on the epidemiological, histological, and clinical characteristics of testicular microlithiasis (TM) in children; to clarify the role of additional diagnostic tests in managing pediatric cases of TM; to propose a surveillance protocol tailored to the pediatric population.
We welcome papers on the following topics:
• Prevalence rates of TM in children and associated demographic patterns and risk factors.
• Clinical manifestations and diagnostic challenges, including symptoms and criteria used for diagnosis.
• Underlying mechanisms and contributing factors to TM development in pediatric patients.
• Long-term prognosis and progression rates of TM in children.
• Current management approaches, surveillance protocols, and surgical considerations for complications.
• Psychological impact on pediatric patients and their families, including quality of life outcomes.
• Future research directions and areas for collaboration in pediatric TM studies.
Additionally, we encourage to present clinical case reports to illustrate unique cases of TM in children, focusing on diagnostic complexities, management strategies, and clinical outcomes.
These incidental intra-testicular findings are often stumbled upon during routine examinations. They can occur independently or alongside benign conditions such as spermatic cord torsion, undescended testes, hydrocele, testicular shrinkage, or infections involving the testicles and epididymis. Additionally, they have been observed in conjunction with other medical conditions like Down syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, certain forms of intersexuality, alveolar microlithiasis, and sympathetic nervous system disorders.
Despite being recognized for some time, testicular microlithiasis remains relatively obscure and uncommon in clinical practice. The underlying causes of this condition are still unidentified, and its prevalence is uncertain due to its asymptomatic nature, making it challenging to gauge its frequency in the general population. Long-term outcomes are unclear, with potential associations with cancer or infertility, and there's no established consensus on management and monitoring protocols.
The scope of this Research Topic is therefore to open discussions on the epidemiological, histological, and clinical characteristics of testicular microlithiasis (TM) in children; to clarify the role of additional diagnostic tests in managing pediatric cases of TM; to propose a surveillance protocol tailored to the pediatric population.
We welcome papers on the following topics:
• Prevalence rates of TM in children and associated demographic patterns and risk factors.
• Clinical manifestations and diagnostic challenges, including symptoms and criteria used for diagnosis.
• Underlying mechanisms and contributing factors to TM development in pediatric patients.
• Long-term prognosis and progression rates of TM in children.
• Current management approaches, surveillance protocols, and surgical considerations for complications.
• Psychological impact on pediatric patients and their families, including quality of life outcomes.
• Future research directions and areas for collaboration in pediatric TM studies.
Additionally, we encourage to present clinical case reports to illustrate unique cases of TM in children, focusing on diagnostic complexities, management strategies, and clinical outcomes.
Keywords: Testicular microlithiasis, Microcalcifications, Pediatric urology, Testicular ultrasound, Cryptorchidism
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
