Awareness
What Men Should Know About Testicular Cancer
Testicular Cancer Self-Exam
Testicular cancer is the #1 cancer in young men. But good news: it's highly curable when caught early.
Learn how to give your genips a feel and get to know what's normal for you. So if you notice a change — or that something doesn't feel right — you'll know to act on it.
Understanding Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is relatively rare, accounting for only about 1% of all cancers in men. However, it is the most common cancer among American males between the ages of 15 and 35. While uncommon overall, awareness and early detection are key to successful outcomes.
What Is Testicular Cancer?
Most testicular cancers begin in the germ cells, the cells in the testicles that produce immature sperm. These sperm travel through a network of small tubes into the epididymis, where they mature and are stored. When these germ cells become cancerous, they can form tumors that may spread if not treated early.
Risk Factors
You may be at increased risk for testicular cancer if you have:
A personal or family history of testicular cancer
An undescended testicle (cryptorchidism) or other testicular abnormalities
HIV infection
Caucasian ancestry: White men are 4 to 5 times more likely to develop testicular cancer than African-American or Asian-American men
Signs and Symptoms
Early detection is critical, and testicular cancer is nearly 100% curable when caught early. Regular self-exams after puberty are often recommended—especially for those with known risk factors.
Watch for these possible symptoms:
A lump or swelling in either testicle (usually painless)
Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum (in about 10% of cases)
A change in the size or feel of the testicle
A dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
A sudden buildup of fluid in the scrotum
Screening and Diagnosis
If testicular cancer is suspected, a combination of physical exams, ultrasound imaging, and blood tests are used to confirm a diagnosis. If cancer is detected, surgical removal of the affected testicle (radical inguinal orchiectomy) is usually the first step. A pathologist will then examine the tissue to determine the type and stage of the cancer.
There are two primary types:
Seminomas: Slower-growing and typically affect men between ages 25–45
Non-seminomas: Faster-growing and more likely to occur in younger men (late teens to early 30s)
To assess whether the cancer has spread, imaging such as CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis is used.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type, size, and stage of the cancer. Common approaches include:
Surgery: Removal of the affected testicle is often the only treatment needed in early cases
Chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy: May be recommended for more advanced cases
Lymph Node Surgery: In some situations, lymph nodes in the abdomen may be removed if cancer has spread
Fertility & Testicular Cancer
Some treatments for testicular cancer can affect sperm production or fertility. For this reason, sperm banking is often recommended before beginning treatment, especially for those hoping to start or expand a family in the future.
In many cases, fertility returns after treatment, especially when only one testicle is involved. However, some men may experience permanent infertility.
A High Survival Rate
The good news: testicular cancer is highly treatable, especially when caught early. Even in cases where the cancer has spread, most men can be cured with proper treatment.
Early detection saves lives. Regular self-exams and attention to any changes are important steps toward protecting your health.
Sources: American Cancer Society