Objectives: To analyse the calcification of testicular tumours in the orchiectomy specimens detected by digital orchiography obtained in a full-field digital mammography (FFDM) unit.
Methods: Orchiectomy specimens of 37 consecutive patients were imaged by FFDM. Detected foci of calcification were stratified as: type 1, dense microcalcification; type 2, faint microcalcification; type 3, macrocalcification. Histopathology identified the tumour types, the presence of intratubular germ cell neoplasia (IGCN) and associated calcifications. Orchiography results correlated with the histopathology.
Results: On orchiography, 32/37of the specimens (86 %) had co-existing foci of calcification. Histopathology results revealed foci of calcification in 23/37 (62 %) of orchiectomy specimens. Of the 20 IGCN cases, 80 % presented with calcifications on orchiography. Fifty-six percent (14/25) of type 1, 70 % (12/17) of type 2, and 30 % (2/6) of type 3 foci of calcification were observed in IGCN-positive cases.
Conclusion: This study classifies the morphology of testicular tumour calcification in three main groups by digital orchiography. In half of the testicular cancers, histopathologically proven IGCN is also found in addition to the index tumour. Type 2 foci of microcalcification detected by orchiography may be related to IGCN and may prompt further clinical assessment.
Key points: • Orchiography can detect and classify calcification in 86 % of testicular cancers. • Intratubular germ cell neoplasia (IGCN) co-exists in 54 % of testicular cancers. • Type 2 foci of microcalcification detected by orchiography may be related to IGCN. • Orchiography may play a possible future role in the diagnosis of testicular IGCN.