Postnatal Germ Cell Development in the Cryptorchid Testis: The Key to Explain Why Early Surgery Decreases the Risk of Malignancy

Abstract

PURPOSE:  Cryptorchidism is a risk factor for testicular malignancy and surgical treatment lowers this risk. This study aimed to investigate the germ cell behavior in prepubertal cryptorchid testes using immunohistochemical markers for germ cell malignancy to understand how early orchiopexy may possibly prevent cancer developing. MATERIALS AND METHODS:  Histology sections from 1,521 consecutive testicular biopsies from 1,134 boys aged 1 month to 16.5 years operated for cryptorchidism were incubated with antibodies including antiplacental-like alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), anti-Oct3/4, anti-C-kit, and anti-D2-40. RESULTS:  Oct3/4 and D2-40-positive germ cells are found throughout the first 2 y..