Marker for genetic abnormality that increases the chance for testicular cancer.
Occurs in 2-5% of boys at term.
Associated with impaired fertility.
Risk of testicular cancer increased 2-8 times.
5-10% of all men with testicular cancer have a history of cryptorchidism.
May descend spontaneously during early life, but rarely after.
By 12 months of age 1% of boys have cryptorchidism.
Treatment is orchiopexy, the placement of the testicle into the scrotum.