Testicular cancer and undescended testicle
Content provided by Healthwise
Testicular cancer and undescended testicle
Having an undescended testicle increases the risk for testicular cancer.
- The risk for testicular cancer is more than 20 times greater in males who have an undescended testicle than in other males.1
- The higher up in the path of descent a testicle stops, the more likely it is to develop a tumor. An undescended testicle in the abdomen is 4 to 6 times more likely to develop cancer than an undescended testicle in locations farther down toward the scrotum.
Moving the testicle to the scrotum does not appear to reduce the general risk of developing testicular cancer, but it may help reduce the higher risk associated with undescended testicles that are not treated. Most doctors recommend surgery to place undescended testicles in the scrotum because this makes it much easier to find testicular cancer if it does develop.
Because of this cancer risk, men who have ever had an undescended testicle should have regular medical checkups (at least once every 2 years) throughout life. These checkups should include a testicular exam. If you have ever had an undescended testicle, talk to your doctor about how often you need to be checked.
Because of the risk of cancer, men who have an undescended testicle should have regular medical checkups (at least once every 2 years) throughout life. These checkups may include a testicular exam. If you have an undescended testicle, talk to your doctor about how often you need to be checked.
Some doctors recommend a testicular biopsy during surgery to correct an undescended testicle (orchiopexy) if the undescended testicle is in the abdomen or the child has genital defects, such as hypospadias, or a genetic disorder. In this test, a small sample of tissue is taken from the testicles and examined to determine the potential for developing cancer.
References
Citations
Zeitler PS, et al. (2007). Cryptorchidism section of Endocrine disorders. In WW Hay Jr et al., eds., Current Pediatric Diagnosis and Treatment, 18th ed., p. 967. New York: Lange Medical Books/McGraw-Hill.
Credits
| Author | Debby Golonka, MPH |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Peter Anderson, MD, FRCS(C) - Pediatric Urology |
| Last Updated | June 6, 2007 |
| Last updated: | June 06, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Debby Golonka, MPH |
| Reviewed By: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Peter Anderson, MD, FRCS(C) - Pediatric Urology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
Search
Where Does it Hurt?
If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.
