Cryptorchidism: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Cryptorchidism
| image          = [[File:Ultrasonography_of_cryptorchidism_-_annotated.jpg|250px]]
| caption        = Ultrasonography of cryptorchidism
| field          = [[Urology]], [[Pediatrics]]
| synonyms        = Undescended testis, undescended testicle
| symptoms        = Absence of one or both testes from the [[scrotum]]
| complications  = [[Infertility]], [[testicular cancer]]
| onset          = [[Neonatal]]
| duration        = Varies
| causes          = [[Premature birth]], [[hormonal disorders]], [[genetic factors]]
| risks          = [[Premature birth]], [[family history]]
| diagnosis      = [[Physical examination]], [[ultrasound]]
| differential    = [[Retractile testis]], [[inguinal hernia]]
| prevention      = None
| treatment      = [[Orchiopexy]], [[hormonal therapy]]
| medication      = [[Human chorionic gonadotropin]] (hCG)
| prognosis      = Good with treatment
| frequency      = ~3% of full-term male infants
}}
'''Cryptorchidism''' is a condition in which one or both of the testes fail to descend. This condition is the most common genital problem encountered in pediatrics. In this condition, one or both of the testes are absent from the scrotum at birth. It is a common condition, affecting 2 to 5 percent of full-term male newborns, and around 33 percent of premature infants.  
'''Cryptorchidism''' is a condition in which one or both of the testes fail to descend. This condition is the most common genital problem encountered in pediatrics. In this condition, one or both of the testes are absent from the scrotum at birth. It is a common condition, affecting 2 to 5 percent of full-term male newborns, and around 33 percent of premature infants.  
[[File:Ultrasonography of cryptorchidism - annotated.jpg|thumb|Ultrasonography of cryptorchidism]]
[[File:Ultrasonography of cryptorchidism - annotated.jpg|left|thumb|Ultrasonography of cryptorchidism]]
==Causes==
==Causes==
The exact cause of cryptorchidism is unknown. However, it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetics, maternal health, and environmental factors. Some research suggests that exposure to certain substances during pregnancy can increase the risk of cryptorchidism.  
The exact cause of cryptorchidism is unknown. However, it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetics, maternal health, and environmental factors. Some research suggests that exposure to certain substances during pregnancy can increase the risk of cryptorchidism.  
[[File:CryptorchidismForms.jpg|thumb|Different forms of cryptorchidism, depending on the position of the undescended testicle. Sometimes the retractile testicle is added.]]
[[File:CryptorchidismForms.jpg|left|thumb|Different forms of cryptorchidism, depending on the position of the undescended testicle. Sometimes the retractile testicle is added.]]
 
==Symptoms==
==Symptoms==
The primary sign of cryptorchidism is the absence of one or both testes from the scrotum. This can be noticed at birth or shortly thereafter. In some cases, the testes may descend on their own within the first few months of life. If this does not occur, medical treatment may be necessary.
The primary sign of cryptorchidism is the absence of one or both testes from the scrotum. This can be noticed at birth or shortly thereafter. In some cases, the testes may descend on their own within the first few months of life. If this does not occur, medical treatment may be necessary.
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Cryptorchidism is typically diagnosed through a physical examination. The doctor may also order an ultrasound to locate the undescended testes. In some cases, a laparoscopy may be performed to visualize the testes.
Cryptorchidism is typically diagnosed through a physical examination. The doctor may also order an ultrasound to locate the undescended testes. In some cases, a laparoscopy may be performed to visualize the testes.
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
Treatment for cryptorchidism usually involves surgery to move the testes into the scrotum. This is typically done within the first year of life. Hormonal therapy may also be used in some cases.
Treatment for cryptorchidism usually involves surgery to move the testes into the scrotum. This is typically done within the first year of life. Hormonal therapy may also be used in some cases.
==Complications==
==Complications==
If left untreated, cryptorchidism can lead to a number of complications, including infertility, testicular cancer, and psychological distress.
If left untreated, cryptorchidism can lead to a number of complications, including infertility, testicular cancer, and psychological distress.
==See also==
==See also==
* [[Testes]]
* [[Testes]]

Latest revision as of 13:34, 5 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics

Cryptorchidism
Synonyms Undescended testis, undescended testicle
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Absence of one or both testes from the scrotum
Complications Infertility, testicular cancer
Onset Neonatal
Duration Varies
Types N/A
Causes Premature birth, hormonal disorders, genetic factors
Risks Premature birth, family history
Diagnosis Physical examination, ultrasound
Differential diagnosis Retractile testis, inguinal hernia
Prevention None
Treatment Orchiopexy, hormonal therapy
Medication Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
Prognosis Good with treatment
Frequency ~3% of full-term male infants
Deaths N/A


Cryptorchidism is a condition in which one or both of the testes fail to descend. This condition is the most common genital problem encountered in pediatrics. In this condition, one or both of the testes are absent from the scrotum at birth. It is a common condition, affecting 2 to 5 percent of full-term male newborns, and around 33 percent of premature infants.

Ultrasonography of cryptorchidism

Causes[edit]

The exact cause of cryptorchidism is unknown. However, it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetics, maternal health, and environmental factors. Some research suggests that exposure to certain substances during pregnancy can increase the risk of cryptorchidism.

Different forms of cryptorchidism, depending on the position of the undescended testicle. Sometimes the retractile testicle is added.

Symptoms[edit]

The primary sign of cryptorchidism is the absence of one or both testes from the scrotum. This can be noticed at birth or shortly thereafter. In some cases, the testes may descend on their own within the first few months of life. If this does not occur, medical treatment may be necessary.

Diagnosis[edit]

Cryptorchidism is typically diagnosed through a physical examination. The doctor may also order an ultrasound to locate the undescended testes. In some cases, a laparoscopy may be performed to visualize the testes.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for cryptorchidism usually involves surgery to move the testes into the scrotum. This is typically done within the first year of life. Hormonal therapy may also be used in some cases.

Complications[edit]

If left untreated, cryptorchidism can lead to a number of complications, including infertility, testicular cancer, and psychological distress.

See also[edit]

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