What Is Testicular Cancer?
Testicular cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of one or both testicles.
The testicles are two egg-shaped glands located inside the scrotum, a loose sac of skin below the penis. They are held in place by the spermatic cord, which contains blood vessels, nerves, and the vas deferens.
The testicles produce testosterone and sperm. Germ cells inside the testicles create immature sperm, which travel through small tubes to the epididymis where they mature and are stored.
- Most testicular cancers start in germ cells
- Two main types: seminomas and nonseminomas
- Nonseminomas grow and spread faster than seminomas
- Seminomas are more sensitive to radiation therapy
- Mixed tumors are treated as nonseminomas
- Most common cancer in men aged 20–35 years
Signs and Symptoms of Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is highly treatable, even when it has spread. The most common early sign is a painless lump in the testicle.
- Painless lump in or on a testicle
- Swelling or enlargement of a testicle or scrotum
- Shrinking of a testicle
- Feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- Dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
- Fluid collection in the scrotum
- Pain or discomfort in the testicle or scrotum
- Breast tenderness or enlargement
- Lower back pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
Advanced Testicular Cancer Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Early puberty in boys
- Lower back pain
- Shortness of breath
- Blood clots (DVT)
- Chest pain
- Abdominal pain
- Headaches
- Confusion
Self-Examination
Early detection is important. A simple monthly self-exam can help identify abnormalities early.
- Perform after a warm bath or shower
- Gently roll each testicle between fingers and thumb
- Look for hard lumps or unusual changes
- Consult a doctor immediately if any abnormality is found
Treatment of Testicular Cancer
Surgery
- Inguinal orchiectomy (removal of the affected testicle)
- Removal of nearby lymph nodes if needed
- Used for diagnosis, staging, and treatment
Radiation Therapy
- Uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells
- External radiation therapy is commonly used
- More effective for seminomas
Chemotherapy
- Uses drugs to kill or stop cancer cells from dividing
- Can be given orally or through injection
- Systemic chemotherapy treats cancer throughout the body
Surveillance
- Regular monitoring without immediate treatment
- Used to detect recurrence early
- Includes routine scans and tests
High-Dose Chemotherapy with Stem Cell Transplant
- High-dose chemotherapy destroys cancer and blood-forming cells
- Stem cells are collected, stored, and later reinfused
- Helps restore healthy blood cell production
