Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is a cancer that starts in the testicles (also called testes), which are part of the male reproductive system. The testicles are located in the scrotum (the pouch of skin below the penis) and are responsible for making sperm and testosterone.
Testicular cancer is rare, but it’s the most common cancer in young men aged 15 to 35. Most cases are highly treatable and early detection makes a big difference. The most common symptom is a painless lump or swelling in one testicle.
Doctors use a physical exam, ultrasound, blood tests (tumor markers), and imaging scans to diagnose and stage testicular cancer. Treatment usually involves surgery, and may also include radiation or chemotherapy, depending on the type and stage.
Types of testicular cancer include:
- Germ Cell Tumors: These make up about 95% of all testicular cancers and are divided into two main types:
- Seminomas: These grow more slowly and usually affect men in their 30s or older. They respond well to radiation and chemotherapy.
- Non-seminomas: These tend to grow more quickly and often occur in younger men. They include several subtypes:
- Embryonal carcinoma
- Yolk sac tumor
- Choriocarcinoma
- Teratoma
Sometimes, a tumor can contain both seminoma and non-seminoma cells.
- Stromal Tumors: These are rare tumors that begin in the supportive or hormone-producing tissues of the testicle, such as:
- Leydig cell tumors
- Sertoli cell tumors
- Secondary Testicular Cancers: These are cancers that have spread (metastasized) from another part of the body. They are rare and treated differently.
For more information about testicular cancer, please visit the organizations listed below.
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External Resources
Organizations for Testicular Cancer
Cancer Information and Support
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