About Testicular Cancer

Name of the medical condition and other names that it’s been known by

• Testicular Cancer

• Cancer of the Testicle

• Testis Cancer

What is Testicular Cancer?

Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the testicles (also called testes). The testicles are part of the male reproductive system and are found inside the scrotum, a loose bag of skin underneath the penis. They make male hormones and sperm for reproduction.

This cancer begins when healthy cells in a testicle change and grow out of control, forming a mass or tumor. Testicular cancer mainly affects young and middle-aged men, with most cases occurring between ages 15 and 45. It's not very common, but it's highly treatable and usually curable, even when it has spread beyond the testicle.

There are two main types of testicular cancer:

• Seminomas: These grow and spread slowly. They're more common in men between 25 and 45.

• Non-seminomas: These tend to grow and spread more quickly. They're more common in men between their late teens and early 30s.

• Some testicular tumors have both types of cells.

The exact cause of testicular cancer isn't known, but some factors might increase the risk:

• Having an undescended testicle
• Family history of testicular cancer
• HIV infection
• Being white (it's less common in other racial groups)
• Certain genetic conditions

Symptoms of testicular cancer can include:

• A lump or swelling in either testicle
• A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• A dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
• Sudden build-up of fluid in the scrotum
• Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
• Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts

How is it diagnosed?
• Physical exam: The doctor checks for lumps or anything unusual in the testicles.
• Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to make pictures of the inside of the testicles.
• Blood tests: To check for tumor markers that some testicular cancers produce.
• Surgery: If cancer is suspected, the affected testicle is removed (called an orchiectomy) and examined.
• Imaging tests: CT scans, MRI, or X-rays to see if the cancer has spread.

How is it treated?
• Surgery: Removing the affected testicle (orchiectomy) is usually the first step.
• Radiation therapy: Using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells, mainly used for seminomas.
• Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
• Surveillance: Close monitoring with regular tests if the cancer is caught very early.
• Stem cell transplant: For some advanced cases that don't respond to other treatments.

Trend

• In the United States, the number of people that have had it in the last five years is approximately 50,000 men.
• The number of new cases is expected to remain relatively stable.

History
Testicular cancer has been known for centuries, but it was often fatal until the mid-20th century. 

In the 1970s, major breakthroughs in chemotherapy dramatically improved survival rates. Dr. Lawrence Einhorn developed a treatment using the drug cisplatin, which turned testicular cancer into one of the most curable cancers. 

Since then, researchers have refined treatments, reducing side effects and improving cure rates. Today, even patients with advanced testicular cancer have a good chance of being cured. 

The development of tumor markers in the 1980s also helped with early detection and monitoring of the disease.

Testicular Cancer - Source of Information

• American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/testicular-cancer/about/what-is-testicular-cancer.html

• National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/types/testicular/patient/testicular-treatment-pdq

• National Library of Medicine https://medlineplus.gov/testicularcancer.html

For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice.