Testicular biopsy

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Endocrine glands

Male reproductive anatomy

Testicular biopsy

Biopsy - testicle

Sperm development appears normal.

Abnormal results may mean a problem with sperm or hormone function. Biopsy may be able to find the cause of the problem.

If the sperm development appears normal in the testicle, but semen analysis shows no sperm or reduced sperm, there may be a blockage of the tube through which the sperm travel from the testes to the urethra. This blockage can sometimes be repaired with surgery.

Other causes of abnormal results:

• A cyst-like lump filled with fluid and dead sperm cells (spermatocele)
• Orchitis
• Testicular cancer

Your health care provider should explain and discuss all abnormal results with you.

Review Date: 09/03/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Scott Miller, MD, Urologist in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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