Screening
Newborn screening
Testicular exam should be performed and documented in all newborn males. Undescended testicle(s) may be noted in up to 8% of term newborns, and there is an even higher incidence in preterm infants. Presence or absence, size, and position of each testis should be noted. A patient with a nonpalpable testis on one or both sides in conjunction with hypospadias should be referred immediately for evaluation of possible difference of sex development.[74]
Ongoing screening
Testicular exams should be performed at each infant screening exam and yearly thereafter. Referral to an appropriate surgical specialist should be made if testicular descent has not occurred by 6 months (corrected for gestational age). Testes are not likely to descend after this.[55] The relative risk of testicular cancer increases significantly in those who undergo orchiopexy after puberty.[75]
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