Germinal Cell Tumors of the Testis After Orchiopexy

Abstract

A review of the literature revealed 220 cases of germinal cell tumor of the testis that occurred after orchiopexy. Of these cases, 97 were accurately documented in regard to scrotal placement of the undescended testis and the subsequent tumor. Only 6 cases were reported after orchiopexy in children < 10 yr old. Since the number of patients at risk is unknown the possible protection of early orchiopexy against subsequent malignant degeneration cannot be established. The small numbers of cases reported after orchiopexy in children < yr old is encouraging. The accumulated reports of germinal cell tumors of the testes after orchiopexy in patients between 10-20 yr old militate against such a procedure in patients with a unilateral undescended testis.