Testicular Cancer

What is testicular cancer?

Testicular cancer is uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in a testicle. This growth becomes a lump or tumor. Cells can break away from this tumor to form new growths elsewhere in the body.

The testicles are part of the male reproductive system. They are in a sac of loose skin, called the scrotum or scrotal sac, which is below the base of the penis.

How does it occur?

The cause of testicular cancer is not known, but there are several risk factors. For example, men who have had an undescended testicle, even if it was surgically corrected, have a higher risk of testicular cancer. An undescended testicle is a condition in which one or both testicles did not move from inside the abdomen down into the scrotum before birth. Usually the cancer develops on the side of the undescended testicle, but sometimes the cancer is in the other side.

Some other risk factors are:

• having a family history of testicular cancer, especially brothers and less so with fathers or sons
• having already had cancer in one testis
• being HIV positive.

Testicular cancer is most common in men between the ages of 15 and 35. It is unusual after the age of 40 and in African-Americans and Hispanics.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of a tumor in the testicle are:

• a painless lump or swelling in a testicle
• pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum
• any enlargement of a testicle or change in the way it feels
• a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• a dull ache in the lower abdomen or back
• a sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum.

Many of these symptoms can be caused by problems other than cancer. It is important to check your testicles often. Report any symptoms right away to your healthcare provider.

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your medical history and examine you. You may have the following tests:

• blood tests
• an ultrasound scan of the testicles.

How is it treated?

You will have surgery to remove the testicle through an incision (cut) in the groin (an operation called an inguinal orchiectomy). Other treatments may include:

• chemotherapy, which uses anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells
• radiation therapy, which is the use of high-energy rays from a machine to shrink the tumor and kill cancer cells (usually for the type of testicular cancer called seminoma).

How long will the effects last?

More than 95% of testicular cancer can be cured. The earlier the cancer is found, the more likely the treatment will be successful. However, testicular cancer, like all cancers, can come back (recur). Men who have had cancer in one testicle have a slightly increased risk of getting cancer in the other testicle. Regular exams after treatment are important. Your healthcare provider will recommend frequent checkups that include blood tests and CT scans (computerized X-rays).

How can I take care of myself?

• Follow the full course of treatment prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Recognize that having the cancer is an added stress in your life. Take more time for your important relationships and for rest.
• Talk with your family and your healthcare providers about your concerns.
• Ask your healthcare provider any questions you have about the disease, treatments, side effects of the treatments, support groups, and anything else that concerns you.
• Find a counselor to help you deal with difficult issues.
• Spend time with people and activities you enjoy.

For more information on cancer, contact national and local organizations such as:

• American Cancer Society, Inc.
  Phone: 800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345)
  Web site: http://www.cancer.org
• National Cancer Institute
  Phone: 1-800-4CANCER, or 1-800-422-6237 (TTY: 1-800-332-8615)
  Web site: http://www.cancer.gov

How can I help prevent testicular cancer?

Because the cause of testicular cancer is not known, healthcare providers do not know how to prevent it. However, an undescended testicle must be repaired. Researchers are actively studying possible methods of prevention, such as diet, supplements, and drugs.