Familial cryptorchidism and testicular tumors in non-twin brothers

This paper reports simultaneous occurrence of cryptorchidism and testicular tumor in three brothers within a single family. Two of the brothers had seminoma and the third brother had embryonal carcinoma. Tumor markers such as alpha fetoprotein, assay for beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophic hormone, and carcinoembryonic antigen were all negative. The simultaneous occurrence of familial cryptorchidism and testicular tumor has not been reported, although familial occurrence of both entities has been described separately. Because of the known risk of testicular malignancy in cryptorchidism, aggressive screening and examination are recommended in the form of either serial palpation or serial testicular biopsies. Hormonal replacement with testosterone cypionate is recommended for pubertal patients undergoing bilateral orchiectomy as a result of tumor removal. The overall prognosis of patients with cryptorchidism and abdominal testicular tumor seems to be good provided an early diagnosis is made.