Undescended testicle not found

Posted by Pini on June 02, 1999 at 14:10:10
Hi,
I'm now 33 years old and I was born with my left testicle undescended.
At the age of 7 I had a surgery to descend it and the report states that a fixation was made. Over the years I forgot all about it but at late time of puberty I noticed that I have only one testicle, i.e., at some point I guess the left testicle somehow went up. I didn't do anything about it at the time. Two years ago I went to see a urologist which recommended that I do an ultrasound test to find the lost testicle.The US results were that the testicle is not to be found in the scrotum or in the canal. The urologist said that the testicle has probably vanished and didn't recommend further tests.
Recently, after reading some material about testicle cancer, I've become concerened about it again.
My questions are:
1. Can a testicle realy vanish, or was  it just not found in the US?
can a different exam like MRI find it? if it is found, would you recommend removing it? the urologist did not see at the time a reson for further tests.
2. I understand that I have a greater risk of having testicle cancer. Is this risk higer just in the undescended or in the normal one as well?
3. Since it's more difficult to observe cancer in the undescended one (assuming it's still there)are there any other sympthoms of this cancer that can be felt or diagnosed with a blood/urine test?
I'll appreciate it if a doctor would answer my questions,
Thanks
Posted by HFHS M.D.-AK on June 04, 1999 at 14:28:16
Dear Pini,
To answer your questions, Yes, it is possible for a testicle to vanish.  If the blood supply is compromised to the testicle after the operation, the testis will atrophy and essentially vanish.  This is probable what happened.
The potential for a cryptorchid testis to develop a tumor was first described by LeComte in 1854.  Since this time, this fact has been verified time and time again.  In fact the contralateral testis is also at greater risk. Approximately 20% of patients with a testis tumor and history of cryptorchidism have a tumor in the contralateral testis.  That is why it is imperative that you are taught how to perform your own self-testicular exam on the remaining testis on a monthly basis.
I agree with your doctor