Testicular cancer
What is Testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow out of control in one or both testicles. The testicles are two small organs that sit inside the scrotum and produce sperm and testosterone.
This cancer most often affects men between ages 15 and 44. It is one of the most treatable forms of cancer, especially when caught early. There are two main types: seminomas and non-seminomas. Non-seminomas tend to grow faster but often produce specific proteins that show up in blood tests.
While testicular cancer is relatively rare, early detection makes a big difference in treatment success. Regular self-exams and awareness of symptoms can help catch changes early. Blood tests that measure tumor markers can support diagnosis and track how well treatment is working.
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
- Breast tenderness or growth due to hormone changes
- Back pain if cancer has spread to lymph nodes
- Fatigue or general unwellness
Some men notice no symptoms early on. This is why regular self-exams are important. Any unusual changes in the testicles should be evaluated by a doctor right away.
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Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of testicular cancer is not fully understood. It develops when cells in the testicles begin to grow abnormally. Risk factors include having an undescended testicle at birth, family history of testicular cancer, and being of white ethnicity. Men between ages 15 and 44 face the highest risk.
Other risk factors include abnormal testicle development, a personal history of cancer in one testicle, and being born with Klinefelter syndrome. HIV infection may also increase risk. Unlike many cancers, lifestyle factors like smoking or diet do not appear to play a major role in testicular cancer development.
How it's diagnosed
Diagnosis starts with a physical exam and medical history. Your doctor will feel for lumps or swelling in the testicles. An ultrasound of the scrotum can show if a lump is solid or fluid-filled and help determine if it might be cancer.
Blood tests that measure tumor markers are key tools for diagnosis and monitoring. Alpha fetoprotein is often elevated in non-seminoma testicular cancers. Testosterone levels may also change in some cases. Rite Aid offers testing for these biomarkers to help detect and monitor testicular cancer. If cancer is suspected, imaging tests and sometimes surgery to remove the affected testicle will confirm the diagnosis and determine the cancer type.
Treatment options
- Surgical removal of the affected testicle, which is the primary treatment for most testicular cancers
- Surveillance with regular blood tests and imaging to monitor for any signs of return
- Chemotherapy for cancers that have spread or are at high risk of spreading
- Radiation therapy, primarily used for seminoma type cancers
- Lymph node surgery if cancer has spread to nearby nodes
- Fertility preservation options before treatment, since some therapies can affect fertility
- Regular follow-up appointments and tumor marker blood tests to catch any recurrence early
- Testosterone replacement therapy if both testicles are removed
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Frequently asked questions
The most common early sign is a painless lump or swelling in one testicle. You might also notice a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum or a dull ache in the lower abdomen. Some men experience no symptoms at all in early stages. Performing monthly self-exams can help you notice changes early.
Testicular cancer is relatively rare but is the most common cancer in men aged 15 to 44. White men have a higher risk than men of other ethnicities. Men with an undescended testicle at birth or a family history of testicular cancer face increased risk. The overall lifetime risk is about 1 in 250.
Alpha fetoprotein is a key tumor marker that is often elevated in non-seminoma testicular cancers. Testosterone levels may also be measured as part of evaluation. These blood tests help with diagnosis, guide treatment decisions, and monitor for cancer recurrence after treatment. Regular testing of these markers is an important part of follow-up care.
Testicular cancer is one of the most curable forms of cancer, even when it has spread. The overall cure rate exceeds 95 percent when caught early. Even in advanced stages, cure rates remain high with appropriate treatment. Early detection through self-exams and prompt medical attention greatly improves outcomes.
Most cases affect only one testicle. Cancer in both testicles at the same time is very rare. However, men who have had cancer in one testicle have a slightly higher risk of developing it in the other testicle later. This is why careful follow-up and regular self-exams remain important even after successful treatment.
Removing one testicle usually does not affect fertility since the remaining testicle can produce enough sperm and testosterone. Chemotherapy and radiation can temporarily or permanently affect fertility. Doctors often recommend banking sperm before treatment starts. Many men father children naturally after testicular cancer treatment.
Doctors recommend performing a testicular self-exam once a month. The best time is during or right after a warm shower when the scrotum is relaxed. Gently roll each testicle between your thumb and fingers, feeling for any lumps, swelling, or changes in size or texture. Get to know what feels normal for you so you can notice changes.
These are the two main types of testicular cancer. Seminomas grow more slowly and are very sensitive to radiation therapy. Non-seminomas grow faster and often produce tumor markers like alpha fetoprotein that show up in blood tests. Treatment approaches differ slightly between the two types, but both are highly treatable.
Unlike many other cancers, testicular cancer does not appear to be strongly linked to lifestyle factors. Diet, exercise, and smoking do not seem to significantly affect risk. The main risk factors are things you cannot control, like family history and undescended testicle at birth. The best prevention strategy is awareness and monthly self-exams for early detection.
Follow-up care includes regular physical exams, blood tests for tumor markers, and imaging scans. These appointments happen frequently in the first few years after treatment and then less often over time. Blood tests measuring alpha fetoprotein and other markers help detect any recurrence early. Most recurrences happen within the first two years, making regular monitoring critical.