Prevalence of carcinoma in situ and other histopathological abnormalities in testes of men with a history of cryptorchidism.

The incidence of invasive testicular cancer is increased in men with a history of cryptorchidism. Previous studies based on relatively small series indicated that the risk of carcinoma in situ of the testis also is increased in these men. In our study 500 consecutive men 20 to 30 years old, who were previously admitted to a department of surgery with the diagnosis of testicular maldescent, were asked to participate in a screening for carcinoma in situ of the testis. Of the men 300 consented to testicular biopsy. The biopsies were evaluated by light microscopy for carcinoma in situ and other histopathological abnormalities. Carcinoma in situ was diagnosed in 5 patients (1.7%, 95% confidence limits 0.5 to 3.9%). However, the true risk of carcinoma in situ might be higher, since 2 men who had been treated for testicular cancer before they were offered biopsy were excluded from the study. Advanced spermatogenesis, including the spermatid stage in all tubules, was found in biopsy specimens from only 37% of the men. In 80% of these specimens even the number of late spermatids was decreased. Thus, our study, based on a large number of testicular biopsies from an unselected group of men with testicular maldescent, provided further evidence that these men have an increased risk for carcinoma in situ of the testis. Our data combined with the results of other Scandinavian studies indicate that the true prevalence of carcinoma in situ in men with a history of cryptorchidism is approximately 2 to 3%. Additionally, we confirmed that spermatogenic function is severely impaired in maldescended gonads. Invasive testicular cancer can be prevented if the neoplasm is detected at the stage of carcinoma in situ. In our opinion the magnitude of prevalence of carcinoma in situ found in men with a history of cryptorchidism justifies that these men should be offered testicular biopsy when they reach adulthood.