Why un-descended cause a higher risk for cancer?

[Crazyeighties]

I know that having a history of undecended testicles can cause a higher risk of cancer but does anyone have any information as to why. Te reason I ask is recently found a lump and had un-descended teatices as a child I am a little worried because of my medical history any info would be appreciated

[Scott]

I don't think the reason is known.

Check this American Cancer Society page's section on undescended testicles, which notes, "...some doctors conclude that cryptorchidism doesn't actually cause testicular cancer but that there is something else that leads to both testicular cancer and abnormal positioning of one or both testicles."

[Davepet]

I agree with Scott, they don't know for sure. Heck, they don't even know *for sure* that smoking causes lung cancer, but statistics say that more smokers get it than non smokers. I think it's the same thing with undecended testicles & TC. Your odds go up.

If you have detected a lump, get it checked out, even without the history, that's what needs to be done.

Dave

[Crazyeighties]

Yes that is the first thing I am going to do when the doctor office opens on 7.5.12,

[TCdoc]

One thought used to be that undescended testes were more at risk of TC because they were subject to an increased body heat for a prolonged period. i.e. that's why they're were they are rather than being internal like the female ovaries. But who knows . . .