Biopsy raises risk of testicular cancer

01 July 1997

Biopsies of undescended testicles, thought to increase a man's risk of developing testicular cancer later in life, reveal nothing of clinical use and increase the risk of cancer

These biopsies are routinely performed at the same time as orchidopexy, an operation to bring the testis into the scrotal sac, ostensibly to help the doctor judge the patient's risk of developing cancer.

This study, which followed more than 120 males with undescended testicles for up to 45 years, concluded that biopsy "seems to be a stronger risk factor for testicular cancer than any factor previously identified" (BMJ, 1997; 314: 1507-11).

Biopsy raises risk of testicular cancer

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