$Unique_ID{BRK00205}
$Pretitle{Genitourinary System}
$Title{Can a Man Have More Than Two Testicles?}
$Subject{testicles tumor polyorchidism}
$Volume{J-22}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Can a Man Have More Than Two Testicles?


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QUESTION:  There may be some money exchanged as the result of your answer to 
this question, so I hope you will look it up to be sure.  One of the guys on 
my bowling team claimed he had three testicles, and that his doctor insisted 
that one of them be removed.  The rest of us think that he just had a tumor or 
something like that.  Is it possible to have more than the normal two 
testicles?

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ANSWER:  Let me reassure you, that I always check out answers, before
including them in the column, but knowing that so much was at stake, I double
checked this answer.  Pay up fellows, the story is completely possible.  The
condition is called "polyorchidism" and has been a medical curiosity for
centuries.  Ancient literature credited such men with supervirility and super
sexual abilities.  But those were just legends!  Actually most additional
lumps or bumps in the scrotal sac are either tumors or cysts but there are
many documented cases that prove that more than 2 testicles are possible.  The
most common cases have three glands, but there have been reports of as many as
5 testicles.  Usually the "extra" testicle is on the left side.  The patient
usually has no symptoms, other than that of a mass, and a biopsy (obtaining a
piece of tissue for examination under the microscope) is the only sure way to
make a diagnosis.  Since these extra glands are not in a normal anatomical
position, they may become twisted (torsion) creating a surgical emergency.  As
this is a frequent complication, and since these glands frequently turn into
malignant tumors, many physicians recommend that be surgically removed before
problems occur.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
