What is cryptorchidism?

Appeared in: DSSSB 14 August 2024

Explanation

Cryptorchidism, also known as undescended testes, is a condition where one or both testicles fail to descend from the abdomen into the scrotum.
This descent normally occurs during the last months of fetal development, specifically around 7-8 months of gestation.
The undescended testicle can be located anywhere along its path of descent, including the abdomen or the inguinal canal.
It is the most common congenital genitourinary disorder in males, affecting about 1% of 1-year-old boys.

Option A: This option describes paraphimosis, a condition where the foreskin becomes trapped behind the glans penis and cannot be pulled back to its normal position.
Option C: This describes congenital abdominal wall defects, such as omphalocele or gastroschisis, where abdominal contents protrude through an opening in the abdominal wall. It is unrelated to the male reproductive system.
Option D: This option defines phimosis, which is the inability to retract the foreskin over the glans penis. It is a condition related to the foreskin, not the location of the testes.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definition of Cryptorchidism and related genitourinary conditions as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a key role in identifying cryptorchidism during newborn assessments by carefully palpating the scrotum to confirm the presence of both testes.
Patient education is crucial; nurses must explain to parents the need for follow-up and the potential for surgical correction (orchiopexy), usually performed between 6 and 12 months of age, to reduce long-term risks.
Monitoring for complications is vital, as untreated cryptorchidism significantly increases the risk of testicular cancer and infertility later in life. Nurses should teach adolescents with a history of cryptorchidism about testicular self-examination.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of medical terminology.
First, analyze the term in the question: 'cryptorchidism'.
If you know the word parts, break it down: 'crypto-' means hidden, and 'orchid-' refers to the testis. This translates to 'hidden testis'.
Evaluate each option based on this meaning. Options A and D relate to the foreskin, which is incorrect. Option C describes an abdominal wall defect.
Option B, 'A failure of the descent of testicles into the scrotum', directly matches the definition of a 'hidden' or undescended testis.
Therefore, select the option that provides the most accurate definition of the medical term.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Definition of Cryptorchidism and related genitourinary conditions
Stem keywords: cryptorchidism
Lead-in keywords: What is

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E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 966-968

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 p. 1105-1107

Practise the full DSSSB 14 August 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.