Cryptorchidism: classification, prevalence and long-term consequences.
Undescended testis is a common finding in boys, and the majority of cases have no discernible aetiology. There are unexplained geographical differences and temporal trends in its prevalence. Cryptorchidism, especially bilateral, is associated with impaired spermatogenesis and endocrine function and increases the risk of testicular cancer. There is an urgent need to identify factors that adversely affect testicular development and optimize treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Cryptorchidism may reflect a primary testicular maldevelopment with long-term consequences.
Virtanen
Helena E
HE
Department of Physiology, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland.
Bjerknes
Robert
R
Cortes
Dina
D
Jørgensen
Niels
N
Rajpert-De Meyts
Ewa
E
Thorsson
Arni V
AV
Thorup
Jørgen
J
Main
Katharina M
KM
D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D015897:Comorbidity; D003456:Cryptorchidism / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012661:Semen; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology