Types of undescended testicles
Undescended testicles are often classified according to their location and whether they can be felt (palpable or nonpalpable).
- Abdominal or intra-abdominal: The testicle remains inside the abdomen and cannot be felt (is nonpalpable) during a physical exam. Often it will be located close to the inner opening of the inguinal canal.
- Inguinal or intracanicular: The testicle stops in the inguinal canal and cannot be felt during a physical exam.
- Prescrotal or prepubic: The testicle moves down through the inguinal canal but does not descend completely into the scrotum. It usually can be felt (is palpable) during a physical exam.
- Ectopic: The testicle descends normally through the inguinal canal but then moves into an abnormal position in the groin area. It can be felt.
See a picture that shows the position of normal and undescended testicles
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| Author: | Debby Golonka, MPH | Last Updated: June 6, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Peter Anderson, MD, FRCS(C) - Pediatric Urology | |
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