Definition of Cryptorchidism

Cryptorchidism: Failure of descent of one or both of the testes into the scrotum. The testes first develop within the abdomen before birth and then normally descend into the scrotum. Cryptorchidism is also called undescended testes.

Males with cryptorchidism that is not surgically corrected in early childhood are at increased risk for developing testicular cancer.