PREVALENCE OF CARCINOMA IN-SITU OF THE TESTIS IN 207 OLIGOZOOSPERMIC MEN FROM INFERTILE COUPLES - PROSPECTIVE-STUDY OF TESTICULAR BIOPSIES

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of carcinoma in situ of the t estis in a group of oligozoospermic men from infertile couples. Design : A consecutive group of oligozoospermic men from infertile couples we re offered bilateral testicular biopsy. The observed prevalence of car cinoma in situ was compared with the expected prevalence of testicular cancer in a corresponding age matched population of Danish men, assum ing all untreated cases of carcinoma in situ progress to tumour stage, This calculation was based on data from the Danish Cancer Registry. S ubjects: 207 men aged 18-50 years who had sperm density below 10 milli on/ml in two samples within the previous 2 years or sperm density belo w 20 million/ml in two samples within the previous 2 years and a histo ry of cryptorchidism or one or two atrophic testicles (orchidometer vo lume less than 15 cm(3)), or both. Interventions: Bilateral testicular biopsies. Main outcome measures: Carcinoma in situ in the biopsy spec imen. Results: No case of carcinoma in situ was found among the 207 me n, The expected number in a normal age matched population of correspon ding size was 0.8. Conclusion: There is no increase in risk of carcino ma in situ of the testis in moderately oligozoospermic men of couples referred because of infertility.