Our Summary

Cryptorchidism, or undescended testicles, is a common birth defect in male babies, and it increases the risk of testicular cancer. This paper discusses the case of a 24-year-old man who had cryptorchidism and reported having a lower abdominal mass for two months. An abdominal scan revealed a large mass inside his abdomen that was pushing his bladder downwards. Doctors performed a surgery and found a tumor in the right testicle, which was inside the abdomen. They removed the right testicle and moved the left one to its correct place in the scrotum. The tumor was confirmed to be a type of testicular cancer called seminoma. After surgery, the patient was discharged without any complications and was referred to the cancer department for chemotherapy and further treatment. This case highlights the importance of early treatment and careful monitoring of undescended testicles to prevent cancer. Also, it suggests that all males presenting with an abdominal mass should get a scrotal examination.

FAQs

  1. What is the risk of developing cancer in an undescended testicle?
  2. What treatment options are available for an intra-abdominal testicular tumor?
  3. Why is early treatment and close monitoring necessary for cases of cryptorchidism?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about undescended testicle surgery is to follow up regularly with your healthcare provider for routine scrotal examinations to monitor for any signs of complications or recurrence of the condition. It is also important to be aware of the increased risk of testicular cancer associated with undescended testicles, so staying vigilant and proactive in your healthcare can help ensure early detection and treatment if needed.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended undescended testicle surgery are those with cryptorchidism, a congenital condition where one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum. This condition is most commonly seen in male infants and young boys, but can also affect older individuals. Surgery is usually recommended to correct undescended testicles in order to prevent complications such as infertility, testicular torsion, and an increased risk of testicular cancer. In cases where the undescended testicle is located in the abdomen, surgery may be necessary to remove the testicle and reduce the risk of malignancy. Close monitoring and routine scrotal examinations are important for early detection and treatment of testicular cancer in patients with a history of cryptorchidism.

Timeline

Before undescended testicle surgery:

  • Patient may have a history of bilateral cryptorchidism
  • Patient may complain of lower abdominal mass
  • Abdominal computed tomography scan shows intra-abdominal mass lesion
  • Exploratory laparotomy reveals intra-abdominal testicular tumor

After undescended testicle surgery:

  • Right orchiectomy and left orchidopexy performed
  • Histopathological examination reveals testicular seminoma
  • Patient discharged without complications
  • Referred to oncology department for chemotherapy and further management
  • Emphasizes the importance of early treatment and close monitoring of cryptorchidism cases for risk of malignancy and routine scrotal examinations in males with abdominal masses.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and benefits of undescended testicle surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of the surgery in terms of the testicle descending properly?
  3. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect during that time?
  4. Will there be any long-term effects or complications from the surgery?
  5. How often should I schedule follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  6. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take post-surgery?
  7. What are the chances of the undescended testicle developing cancer, and how can I monitor for any signs of cancer in the future?
  8. What are the alternatives to surgery for treating an undescended testicle?
  9. Is there a possibility of infertility after the surgery, and if so, are there any options for fertility preservation?
  10. Are there any specific symptoms or signs I should watch out for that may indicate a problem with the surgery or the testicle in the future?

Reference

Authors: Faruk M, Palinrungi MA, Kholis K, Syahrir S, Bakri S, Azis A. Journal: Pan Afr Med J. 2023 Jan 3;44:3. doi: 10.11604/pamj.2023.44.3.37512. eCollection 2023. PMID: 36818032