Incidental Scrotal Findings at Imaging-1: Calcifications

Abstract

Scrotal calcifications are commonly encountered in the clinical practice at ultrasound, and they may be occasionally identified also at CT and Rx ray examination performed for other purposes. Intra- or extra-testicular calcifications have different clinical relevance. Intratesticular calcifications are usually benign, but may also be found in tumors, or follow trauma, infarction, and inflammation. Testicular microlithiasis is increasingly encountered in otherwise healthy men. Currently, there is no evidence that it is either a premalignant condition or a causative agent for neoplasia, but a clear association exists between this condition, other testicular calcifications, and an increased risk of testicular malignancy. Extra-testicular calcifications are more frequent than intratesticular calcifications and are almost always benign. They include scrotal pearls, calcifications of the epididymis and appendages, and those involving the tunicae and the scrotal wall.