Abstract. This paper presents a survey of the morphological findings in cryptorchid testes, especially of children. There is no doubt that undescended testes not operated on early in life are seriously damaged. Cryptorchid testes of adults are much smaller than normal. The tubules are atrophic, the germinal epithelium is generally largely absent and the Leydig-cells are vacuolated, and loaded with lipids. Foci ofhypoplastic tubules and so-called ring-like tubular structures are frequent.In children the testicular lesions of cryptorchidism are less pronounced than in adults. They are characterized by disturbances in tubular structure and particularly by a diminution of germ cells or, especially in cases of bilateral cryptorchidism, by a complete lack of such elements. These tubular lesions are manifested already in the second year of life. In addition, the interstitial tissue of undescended testes is generally more abundant and Leydig-cells seem to be more atrophic than in normal testes. Some of these lesions found in cryptorchid testes seem to be the result of a malformation rather than of testicular malposition alone.Finally, in patients with cryptorchidism the higher risk of developing a testicular germ cell tumor must be considered. In adults with cryptorchidism so-called atypical germ cells can be demonstrated even if there are no clinical signs of a malignant testicular tumor. Considering the relatively high frequency of malignant germ cell tumors in adults with cryptorchidism, testicular biopsies should be performed if a primary orchidectomy is refused. As testicular tumors may not only develop in the cryptorchid testis but in the descended partner as well, even bilateral testicular biopsies may be indicated.

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