Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
cryptorchidism
Pronunciation: krip-TOR-ki-dizm
Congenital condition where one or both testes fail to descend into the scrotum.
Full Definition
A common congenital anomaly in male infants characterized by the absence of one or both testes from the scrotum, occurring when normal testicular descent is incomplete during fetal development. The undescended testis may be located anywhere along the normal path of descent, from the abdomen to the inguinal canal. Early surgical correction (orchiopexy) is typically recommended by 12-18 months of age to preserve fertility potential and reduce cancer risk.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from retractile testis which can be manually brought into scrotum; specify unilateral vs bilateral.
In Context
- "Physical examination revealed unilateral cryptorchidism with an empty left hemiscrotum." — newborn assessment
- "The patient was scheduled for orchiopexy to correct bilateral cryptorchidism at 15 months of age." — urology consultation
Also known as
undescended testis
undescended testicle
Don't confuse with
retractile testis
ectopic testis