Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer occurs in the testicles (testes), which are located inside the scrotum, a loose bag of skin underneath the penis. The testicles produce male sex hormones and sperm for reproduction. Cancer can develop in one or both testicles.

Compared with other types of cancer, testicular cancer is rare. However, testicular cancer is the most common cancer in American males between the ages of 15 and 35. About 1 of every 263 males will develop testicular cancer at some point during his life, but only 380 men die of testicular cancer each year.

Testicular cancer is more common in men who have had abnormal testicle development, have had an undescended testicle, or have a family history of the cancer. Symptoms include pain, swelling, or lumps in your testicles or groin area. Doctors use a physical exam, lab tests, imaging tests, and a biopsy to diagnose testicular cancer.

Testicular cancer is highly treatable, even when cancer has spread beyond the testicle. Depending on the type and stage of testicular cancer, several treatments are used, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Regular testicular self-examinations can help identify growths early, when the chance for successful treatment of testicular cancer is highest.

In most cases, it is not clear what causes testicular cancer.

In general, cancer occurs when cells develop errors (mutations) in their DNA. The errors make cells grow and divide out of control. The accumulating abnormal cells form a tumor that can grow to invade nearby structures and spread to other parts of the body.

See your doctor promptly for a lump, swelling, or heaviness in a testicle, or a dull ache in the groin or abdomen. Testicular cancer is highly curable, especially when found early.