Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of one or both testicles. Almost all testicular cancers start in the germ cells. The two main types of testicular germ cell tumors are seminomas and nonseminomas.

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men 20 to 35 years old. Health history can affect the risk of developing testicular cancer. Possible signs of testicular cancer include swelling or discomfort in the scrotum. Since it's important to catch this type of cancer before it spreads to other parts of the body, some doctors recommend doing a monthly self-evaluation to check for lumps or tumors.

The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer (whether it is in or near the testicle or has spread to other places in the body, and blood levels of AFP, β-hCG, and LDH), type of cancer, size of the tumor and number and size of retroperitoneal lymph nodes.

Our patients with testicular cancer are treated at the Moores Urologic Cancer Unit. See the Urologic Cancer Unit for more information.

You can also review the tabs at top of this page for information on testicular cancer symptoms and risks, diagnosis, and treatment.

Symptoms

In the majority of cases, men discover a lump on the testicle that may or may not be uncomfortable. Additional symptoms include:

• A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
  
• A dull ache in the abdomen or groin
  
• A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
  
• Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
  
• Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts
  
• Unexplained fatigue or a general feeling of not being well
  

Risk factors:

• Age between 15 and 39
  
• Family history of testicular cancer
  
• Having an undescended testicle
  
• Hereditary conditions such as gonadal dysgenesis or Klinefelter's syndrome
  
• Race: This type of cancer is more common among white men than black men, Hispanic, Asian; and American Indian individuals have a risk that is higher than black men but lower than white.
  

Generally, testicular cancer is discovered by the patient, either accidentally or by routine self-examination. If you find a lump or are experiencing any of the symptoms listed, check with your doctor about screening for testicular cancer.

Your doctor will take a thorough medical history and do a physical exam. The following tests may also be used to determine the presence of testicular cancer:

• Blood tests
• Intravenous pyelogrm (X-ray of kidneys and ureter)
• CT scan and/or ultrasound of the abdomen and pelvis

UCSD Medical Center's team of experienced medical and surgical oncologists will determine the best treatment and follow-up care for you. The initial treatment in all cases is to remove the affected testicle and obtain laboratory or radiographic (CT scan or MRI) information about theextent and type of testicular cancer that exists.

After this, a combination of chemotherapy, radiation or additional surgery may be performed according to the specifics of each individual case. This combined modality treatment is very effective and has resulted in one of the highest survival rates of any type of cancer.