Understanding Testicular Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Sign In

All Posts Conditions Community About

Explore Over 11,000+ Conditions, Medications, and Symptoms.

Get a personalized feed by signing up for free.

All Conditions

Testicular Cancer

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

Additional names

This group contains additional names: - Cancer of the testis - Seminoma - Lymphoma of testis - Leydig cell tumor of testis - Teratoma of testis - Mixed germ cell tumor of testis

General

Testicular cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of one or both testicles. The testicles are 2 egg-shaped glands located inside the scrotum (a sac of loose skin that lies directly below the penis). The testicles are the male sex glands, producing testosterone and sperm (containing the germ cells). Almost all testicular cancers start in the germ cells. The two main types of testicular germ cell tumors are seminomas and non-seminomas. Testicular cancer, like most cancer types, is divided into stages, according to how much it has spread out of the testis into the rest of your body.

25 people with Testicular Cancer

Learn from others who are experiencing Testicular Cancer.

Signs & symptoms

Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer include swelling or discomfort in the scrotum. You may notice a painless lump, sudden build-up of fluid in the scrotum, or mild groin pain. These and other signs and symptoms may be caused by testicular cancer or by other conditions.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and medical history, then he or she will perform a physical exam. The following tests will be done next: - Blood tests- to check for tumor markers (Alpha-fetoprotein, β-hCG, LDH) - Imaging tests such as testicular Ultrasound and CT scan - Inguinal orchiectomy- a procedure to remove the entire testicle through an incision in the groin. A tissue sample from the testicle is then viewed under a microscope to check for cancer cells.

Treatment

*Surgery* – to remove the affected testicle is needed for all types of testicular cancers. Further treatments depend on the type of cancer, its stage and your general health: - *Chemotherapy*- medication that will kill cancerous cells or stop their growing. - *Radiation therapy*- high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation used to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

Latest Discussions

ReviloAlb

Support for Those Diagnosed with Testicular Cancer

Charlie94

New member looking for similar people

rip_wow

Chemotherapy: My Experience and Thoughts

rip_wow

Balls Falling All Over: A Testicular Health Discussion

Bubbles918

Questions about Chemo and RPLND Surgery for Germ Cell...

BahtendahGuy

Starting Chemo Soon: Seeking Advice

Alike Wisdom

Instantly get answers to medical questions with our AI, built from the collective wisdom of our community facing similar experiences