A 5-year-old boy is brought to the pediatrician for a physical examination prior to beginning elementary school. On examination, the boy has only one palpable testis in the scrotum. Fuher examination reveals a palpable mass in the left inguinal region. This condition is referred to as
Only One palpable testes in scrotal sac and palpable mass in inguinal region is suggestive of Cryptorchidism. Cryptorchidism - It is a complete/paial failure of the intra-abdominal testes to descend into the scrotal sac and is associated with testicular dysfunction. - It is associted with increased incidence of germ cell tumors of testes, even if the testis is surgically moved from its ectopic location back to the scrotum. - Physical examination reveals only one palpable testes in Scrotum and there may be palpable mass in inguinal region. - Descent of testes occurs in two phases : 1. Transabdominal phase - During this phase ,the testes comes to lie within the lower abdomen or brim of the pelvis. This phase is regulated by mullerian inhibiting substance. 2. Inguinoscrotal Phase - In this phase the testes descend through the inguinal canal into the scrotum This phase is regulated by androgen-induced calcitonin gene-related peptide from the genitofemoral nerve. - The descent of testes may arrest anywhere in between the pathway but the most common site is in the inguinal canal - Histological changes : arrested germ cell development associated with marked hyalinization and thickening of the basement membrane of spermatic tubules = A hydrocele is a serous fluid collection in the scrotum. = Orchitis (inflammation of the testis) can result from bacterial or viral infection. = A varicocele results from dilation of the veins of the spermatic cord, and the term "bag of worms" aptly describes the abnormality.
Cryptorchidism.
Hydrocele.
Orchitis.
Varicocele.
Male Genital Tract