Cryptorchidism Assignment

You are expected to present your topic of Cryptorchidism,including, but not limited to, the following items:

Pathophysiology
Epidemiology
Physical exam findings
Differential diagnoses and rationale
Management plan to include diagnostic testing, medications if applicable, follow-up plans and referrals if needed

SAMPLE SOLUTION

Cryptorchidism

Pathophysiology

Cryptorchidism, also known as undescended testicle (UDT), is a common genital condition that effect infant males. In most of the cases, the underlying pathophysiology is viewed to be incomplete migration of the testis in the course of embryogenesis from the retroperitoneal position adjacent to the kidneys to the scrotum. Cryptorchidism occurs in both androgen-independent and androgen-dependent phases. Less commonly, the underlying aetiology is either nubbin (severely atrophic testis) or absent testis, typically believed to be secondary to defect or the outcome of testicular torsion (Hutson et al., 2013).

Epidemiology According to Hutson et al. (2013), the birth rate of cryptorchidism varies between 2 and 4 percent. Preterm males have a higher rate of UDT. Evaluations of researches performed during the last few decades suggest geographical variations in the birth rate of UDT. Further, studies from nations where repeated surveys have been conducted indicate an increasing trend in the cases of congenital cryptorchidism which is usually accompanied by spontaneous testicular descent and subsequently lower rates of UDT have been recorded…