What Is Testicular Cancer?

Testicular cancer happens when cancer cells grow in one or both testicles. It is not very common. About 1 in 250 men will get testicular cancer during their lifetime.

The American Cancer Society estimates that about 9,810 new cases of testicular cancer will be diagnosed this year in the United States. About 630 men are expected to die from this disease.

The good news is that testicular cancer is usually very treatable. A man’s lifetime risk of dying from testicular cancer is very low—about 1 in 5,000.

Risk Factors

Researchers are still learning more about what causes testicular cancer. Some factors may raise a man’s risk, but having one or more risk factors does not mean someone will get cancer. Most men with testicular cancer do not have any known risk factors, and the overall risk is still low.

Undescended testicle(s) (cryptorchidism)
Before birth, testicles usually move down into the scrotum. In about 3% of boys, one or both testicles do not move down. About 14% of men with testicular cancer had this condition. Cancer often starts in the testicle that did not move down, but it can also start in the normal testicle.

Family history
If a man has testicular cancer, his brothers or sons have a higher risk. However, most cases do not run in families.

Certain types of moles
Some studies show that men with many unusual moles on the body may have a higher risk of testicular cancer.

HIV infection
Men with HIV may have a higher risk of testicular cancer. The risk may be higher for men who have AIDS.

Carcinoma in situ (CIS)
CIS is a condition where abnormal cells are found in the testicle but have not spread. These cells can turn into cancer over time. CIS often has no symptoms and is usually found during tests for other problems.

Cancer in the other testicle
Men who have had cancer in one testicle have a higher risk (about 3–4%) of getting cancer in the other testicle.

Race and ethnicity
White men are more likely to develop testicular cancer than African-American or Asian-American men. Hispanic men have a risk between these groups.

Body size
Some research shows that tall, slim men may have a slightly higher risk. However, being healthy and fit has many benefits, and testicular cancer is still rare.

Signs and Symptoms

Possible signs and symptoms of testicular cancer include:

• A lump or swelling in a testicle
• A heavy feeling or dull ache in the belly or scrotum
• Breast growth or tender breasts
• Lower sex drive
• Early growth of facial or body hair (before puberty)

Men who notice any of these symptoms should see a healthcare provider.

Screening

Most doctors agree that a testicular exam should be part of a regular physical exam. The American Cancer Society recommends a testicular exam during routine cancer checkups.

There is not enough proof that regular self-exams lower the risk of death from testicular cancer. Because of this, the American Cancer Society does not recommend monthly self-exams for men without risk factors. Some doctors may still suggest them and can provide instructions.

Staging

If testicular cancer is found, doctors determine how advanced it is. This process is called staging. Cancer stages range from Stage I to Stage IV (1–4). Higher stages mean the cancer has spread more. Staging helps doctors choose the best treatment and understand the outlook.

Diagnosis

If testicular cancer is suspected, a doctor may order tests such as:

• Ultrasound – Uses sound waves to see pictures of the testicles and check if a lump is solid or filled with fluid.
• Blood tests – Look for proteins that some cancers release into the blood.
• Surgery (biopsy) – If doctors are unsure, they may remove a small tissue sample. If cancer is found, the testicle and spermatic cord are removed.
• Imaging tests – CT, MRI, or PET scans may be used to see if cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment

Testicular cancer can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these.

Surgery
The main treatment is surgery to remove the affected testicle. The testicle is removed through an incision in the groin along with the spermatic cord. If both testicles are removed, the man cannot produce sperm and will be infertile. In some cases, nearby lymph nodes are also removed.

Radiation therapy
Radiation uses high‑energy rays to kill cancer cells. The radiation comes from a machine outside the body and targets the cancer area.

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. These drugs are taken by mouth or given through a vein. They travel through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells that may have spread.

Source: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/testicular-cancer/about/key-statistics.html