Neurosonology Practice Exam

Undescended testis, called cryptorchidism, is when one or both testes fail to reach the scrotum during fetal development. Normally the testes begin in the abdomen and descend through the inguinal canal into the scrotum before birth or in early infancy. When descent is incomplete, the testis may lie in the abdomen or inguinal canal and may be nonpalpable on exam. This condition is distinct from other scrotal problems: orchitis is inflammation of the testis, often from infection; a varicocele is dilation of the pampiniform venous plexus producing a bag-of-w Worms–like feeling; and a hydrocele is fluid around the testicle causing swelling. The clinical importance lies in fertility and cancer risk, since higher temperatures and abnormal testicular environment can impair spermatogenesis and increase malignancy risk. Management typically involves orchiopexy (surgical relocation into the scrotum) if descent has not occurred by around 6 to 12 months of age, to improve fertility potential and reduce cancer risk. Some cases may descend spontaneously in the first months of life, particularly if the testis is palpable.