$Unique_ID{BRK00205}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Can a Man Have More Than Two Testicles?}
$Subject{testicles tumor polyorchidism Genitourinary System Testicles tumor
condition lump bump lumps bumps scrotum scrotal sac tumors cysts mass biopsy
tissue examination microscope extra glands twisted torsion surgical emergency
malignant cancer cancers carcinoma gland surgically removed surgery surgeries}
$Volume{J-15}
$Log{
Anatomy of the Male Reproductive System*0006001.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   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 they be surgically removed
before problems occur.

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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.