What Is Testicular Cancer?
Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that forms in a testicle, or testis, which is part of the male reproductive system. Most of the time, cancer will develop in only one testicle.
There are several types of testicular cancer. The most common develops in the germ cells of the testis that produce sperm. Most testicular tumors develop in younger men between the ages of 20 and 34. More rare types of tumors may occur in boys below puberty or men over age 65.
Risk Factors for Testicular Cancer
Scientists do not know exactly what causes testicular cancer. However, certain factors appear to produce a higher risk for developing the disease:
- Being white
- Having had testicular cancer in the past
- Having HIV
- Having a family history of testicular cancer
- Having an undescended testicle
Regular exercise, healthy eating and not using tobacco greatly reduces your risk of developing cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
Signs of Testicular Cancer
Most people with testicular cancer do not experience pain. The most common signs and symptoms include:
- A dull ache in the testicle, scrotum, groin or lower abdomen
- A painless lump in your testicle or scrotum
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- Swelling in the testicle
- Tenderness around the breast/chest area
Usually, the first sign of testicular cancer is a lump in your scrotum, but there are several other conditions that can cause the lump, such as infection or injury. If you feel something unusual, and it has not gone away within two weeks, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. On average, men wait five months after feeling a lump before going to a doctor, but you should try to act sooner. Some types of testicular cancer can spread very quickly. Performing a monthly self-exam from puberty onward is a great way to catch early testicular cancer.
Treatment for Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is highly treatable, especially when caught at an early stage. The five-year survival rate for testicular cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body is 99%, and the rate is 96% for cancer that has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Usually, testicular cancer is diagnosed through a scrotal ultrasound, labs (tumor markers), and imaging (CT scan). However, definitive diagnosis is made at the time of orchiectomy (testicle removal).
Orchiectomy is the first step in treatment. Many patients don’t need treatment beyond orchiectomy, but some need additional therapies, which may include chemotherapy, radiation, or surgical removal of lymph nodes.
Life After Testicular Cancer
In most men, one testicle produces enough sperm to have children. However, radiation and chemotherapy can affect sperm count or make men completely infertile. If you plan to have children in the future or want to keep your options open, you should discuss storing sperm in a sperm bank with your doctor before beginning treatment.
Once treatment has been deemed successful, you will continue to have regular screenings for several years to ensure the cancer has not returned.
Men who have both testicles removed will need ongoing male hormone replacement with testosterone.
More to Read
- Why Do You Need an Annual Wellness Exam?
- Should You Have a Vasectomy?
- 5 Most Common Options for Treating Prostate Cancer
