Ectopic testes are a rare congenital anomaly, differing from undescended testis (cryptorchidism) in that ectopic testis is a congenitally abnormally located testis, that has descended from the abdominal cavity away from the normal path of descent while undescended testis are congenitally abnormally located testis within the normal path of descent.
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Epidemiology
It is very rare when compared with the incidence of undescended testis, for example ectopic perineal testis has a prevalence of 1% of all undescended testes cases.
Clinical presentation
Empty scrotal sac +/- soft tissue nodule/mass elsewhere (see location below).
Unlike an incompletely descended testis it cannot be pushed into scrotum, and it is liable to injury.
Pathology
Ectopic testis has a deviated normal path to settle in unexpected location outside the abdominal cavity.
Location
The most common region in descending order:
superficial inguinal pouch which lies anterior to the external oblique aponeurosis
perineum / anterior to root of penis
femoral triangle / upper thigh
contralateral scrotum
Radiographic features
Usually detected by ultrasound examination, which shows an empty scrotal sac with evidence of oval shape structures outside scrotal sac (with similar ultrasound characteristics).
Treatment and prognosis
Treatment is by orchidopexy.
Differential diagnosis
absent or markedly atrophic testis
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