Testicular Cancer

What is Testicular Cancer?

Testicular cancer happens when abnormal cells grow in one or both testicles. The testicles are part of the male reproductive system and produce sperm and hormones like testosterone. This cancer usually affects younger men between ages 15 and 44, though it can occur at any age.

Most testicular cancers start in germ cells, which are the cells that make sperm. The two main types are seminomas and nonseminomas. Seminomas grow slowly and respond well to treatment. Nonseminomas grow faster and may spread more quickly to other parts of the body.

The good news is that testicular cancer is highly treatable, especially when caught early. Survival rates are above 95 percent when detected in early stages. Blood tests can help detect certain types of testicular cancer by measuring hormone levels that may become elevated when cancer is present.

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Symptoms

A painless lump or swelling in one testicle
A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
Dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
Sudden fluid buildup in the scrotum
Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
Enlargement or tenderness of breast tissue
Back pain if cancer has spread
Shortness of breath or cough if cancer has spread to lungs

Some men notice no symptoms in the early stages. Regular self-examinations can help detect changes early. Any testicular lump or change should be evaluated by a doctor right away.

Causes and risk factors

Doctors do not know the exact cause of testicular cancer. It happens when cells in the testicle develop abnormalities and grow out of control. Risk factors include having an undescended testicle, a family history of the disease, and being between ages 15 and 44. Men with abnormal testicle development or certain genetic conditions also face higher risk.

White men are more likely to develop testicular cancer than men of other races. Having testicular cancer in one testicle increases the risk of developing it in the other. Unlike many cancers, lifestyle factors like diet and exercise do not appear to play a major role in testicular cancer development.

How it's diagnosed

Doctors diagnose testicular cancer through physical examination, imaging tests, and blood work. An ultrasound of the scrotum can help identify tumors. Blood tests measure tumor markers like hCG and testosterone, which can become elevated with certain types of testicular cancer. Some testicular cancers produce hCG, a hormone normally made during pregnancy. Others may cause testosterone levels to rise above normal.

Rite Aid offers blood testing that measures hCG and testosterone levels as part of our flagship panel. These biomarkers can help detect potential signs of testicular cancer and monitor treatment progress. If blood tests and imaging suggest cancer, doctors typically remove the affected testicle to examine the tissue and confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment options

Surgery to remove the affected testicle, called orchiectomy, is the primary treatment
Radiation therapy may be used for seminoma types to kill cancer cells
Chemotherapy treats cancer that has spread or is at high risk of spreading
Surveillance with regular imaging and blood tests for early-stage cancers
Lymph node removal surgery if cancer has spread to nearby nodes
Fertility preservation before treatment, as some therapies affect sperm production
Testosterone replacement therapy if both testicles are removed
Regular follow-up care to monitor for recurrence with blood tests and imaging

Frequently asked questions

The most common first sign is a painless lump or swelling in one testicle. You may also notice a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum or a dull ache in the groin area. Some men discover testicular cancer during a routine self-exam or shower. Any new lump or change in testicle size should be checked by a doctor immediately.

Blood tests measure tumor markers like hCG and testosterone that may be elevated with testicular cancer. Some types of testicular cancer produce hCG, a hormone that shows up in blood work. Other cancers can cause testosterone levels to rise above normal ranges. Rite Aid's blood panel includes these biomarkers to help with early detection.

Men between ages 15 and 44 are at highest risk for testicular cancer. Risk is higher for men with an undescended testicle, family history of the disease, or abnormal testicle development. White men develop testicular cancer more often than men of other races. Having cancer in one testicle increases risk in the other testicle.

Yes, testicular cancer has one of the highest cure rates of all cancers. When detected early, survival rates exceed 95 percent. Even when cancer has spread, treatment is often successful. Early detection through self-exams and blood testing improves outcomes significantly.

Doctors recommend monthly self-exams for all men, especially those between ages 15 and 44. The best time is after a warm shower when the scrotum is relaxed. Roll each testicle gently between your fingers to check for lumps, swelling, or changes in size. Report any abnormalities to your doctor right away.

Many men remain fertile after testicular cancer treatment, especially if only one testicle is removed. The remaining testicle usually produces enough sperm and testosterone. However, chemotherapy and radiation can affect fertility. Doctors recommend banking sperm before treatment if you want to preserve the option of having children.

Removing both testicles means you will need testosterone replacement therapy for life. This treatment maintains normal hormone levels, muscle mass, bone density, and sexual function. You will not be able to father children naturally. Sperm banking before surgery is important if you want biological children in the future.

Testicular cancer can spread to lymph nodes in the abdomen, lungs, liver, and brain. Nonseminoma types tend to spread faster than seminomas. Blood tests and imaging help doctors determine if cancer has spread. Even when cancer spreads, treatment is often successful with chemotherapy and surgery.

Treatment length depends on cancer type and stage. Surgery to remove the testicle takes a few hours with recovery in 2 to 4 weeks. Radiation therapy may last 2 to 3 weeks. Chemotherapy typically runs 3 to 4 cycles over several months. Follow-up monitoring continues for years to watch for recurrence.

Unlike many cancers, testicular cancer is not linked to lifestyle factors like diet or exercise. You cannot prevent it through lifestyle changes. However, regular self-exams help with early detection, which greatly improves treatment outcomes. Knowing your risk factors and getting tested can save your life.