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  • Testicular cancer

Introduction

Testicular cancer

Learn more about testicular cancer including types, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options.

What is testicular cancer?

What is testicular cancer?

The testicles are part of the male reproductive system and perform several functions including:1

  • Producing and storing sperm
  • Producing testosterone

Testicular cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled way within the testicles.2 The cancer may occur in either one testicle, or both.2

Many testicular cancers first develop in the germ cells.2 These are the cells that make sperm.2 There are two main types of germ cell cancer called ‘seminomas’ and ‘non-seminomas’:3

  • Seminomas - tend to develop at a slower rate than non-seminoma cancers
  • Non-seminomas - tend to develop more quickly compared to seminoma cancers, there are four sub-types of non-seminomas; embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac tumour, choriocarcinoma, and teratoma

Sometimes testicular cancer can be made up of both types of germ cell cancer - this is known as a mixed tumour. When this occurs, the approach is to treat the cancer as if it were a non-seminoma cancer.3

Testicular cancer may have minimal symptoms which may include:3-5:

  • A lump or swelling in the testicles, which is usually painless
  • Change in size or shape in the testicles
  • A heavy or uneven feeling in the scrotum
  • Aching in a testicle, back or abdomen
  • Back pain

These are not all the possible symptoms of testicular cancer.3-5 Symptoms and their severity can vary between individuals. If you are concerned or have any questions, please speak with your GP or specialist.

The exact cause of testicular cancer is unknown.4,6 However, there are some factors that may increase the risk of the development of testicular cancer, including:3,4,6

  • Family history of testicular cancer, such as your father or brother who has had testicular cancer
  • An undescended testicle during infancy
  • Infertility
  • HIV or AIDS
  • Abnormal development of the testicles
  • Cannabis use – there has been some evidence that links regular use of cannabis to the development of testicular cancer
  • Personal history – if you have had cancer in one testicle you are more likely to develop cancer in the other testicle
  • An abnormality of the penis called hypospadias

If you have any questions or concerns about risk factors regarding testicular cancer, please make an appointment to speak with your GP or specialist.

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Diagnosis

Diagnosing testicular cancer

A range of tests may be performed to make a diagnosis. Following a physical examination, which may include an examination of your testicles for any lumps or swelling, further tests may include:2,3

  • Imaging scans - That may include X-ray, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, and computed tomography (CT) scan
  • Blood tests - A blood test may be taken to look for tumour markers in the bloodstream, as these may indicate cancer. The three tumour markers relevant to testicular cancer are alpha-fetoprotein, beta human chorionic gonadotrophin, and lactate dehydrogenase.
  • Surgery - Rather than a biopsy, which is often used to help diagnose other forms of cancer, surgery can be used to definitively diagnose testicular cancer. This is because a biopsy cut into a testicle could spread the cancer to other parts of the body. If testicular cancer is strongly suspected, surgical removal of the whole testicle may be recommended.

 

If you are found to have testicular cancer your doctor will be able to speak to you about how far the cancer has progressed, and about potential treatment options to consider.

Testicular cancer is commonly staged with the ‘TNM system’, these letters stand for:7,8

  • Tumour: your doctors will measure the size of the tumour and how much it has grown
  • Nodes: refers to whether cancer has spread to lymph nodes
  • Metastasis: refers to whether cancer has spread to other parts of the body

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Treatment options

Treatment options for testicular cancer

Recommended treatment options for testicular cancer depend on several factors such as the type of testicular cancer, the size of the tumour, tumour marker levels in your blood, your general health and whether the cancer has spread anywhere else in your body.3 Your treating doctor will discuss your treatment options for testicular cancer, which may include:3-5

Chemotherapy is an approach to cancer therapy which involves the administration of medicine, usually orally or by injection, which is intended to kill cancer cells or minimise their growth and spread. Chemotherapy can be used in conjunction with other cancer treatments

Chemotherapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other particles to treat cancer and can be used at all stages

Radiation Therapy

Surgery may be one treatment option that your doctor recommends. Surgery is usually used to remove the affected testicle, and this procedure is called an orchidectomy.

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Cancer treatment may result in side effects, yet the type and severity of side effects can vary between individuals.9,10 You can ask your doctor for detailed information about side effects and how to best manage them.

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Support services

Support services

Cancer Council Australia

Australia's leading cancer charity, Cancer Council aims to lead a cohesive approach to reduce the impact of cancer.

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Rare Cancers Australia

RCA is dedicated to improving the lives and health outcomes of Australians affected by rare and less common cancers.

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Australian Cancer Research Foundation

ACRF funds cutting-edge cancer research by providing scientists with advanced technology and infrastructure.

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  1. Manpreet ST and Leslie SW. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis:Testes. StatPearls Publishing; 2023 April. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470201/ (accessed March 2024).
  2. Gaddam SJ and Chesnut GT, HM. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): Testicle Cancer. StatPearls Publishing; 2023 May. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563159/ (accessed March 2024).
  3. Cancer Council Australia. Understanding testicular cancer. Available from: https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/testicular-cancer/  (accessed March 2024).
  4. Nauman M and Leslies NW.. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): Nonseminomatous Testicular Tumors. StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Aug. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK568754/ (accessed March 2024).
  5. Chovanec M and Cheng L. BMJ. 2022:379:e070499.
  6. Lamichhane A, et al. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): Seminoma. StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Aug. (cited Feb. 2024). Access from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560513
  7. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Guidelines; Testicular Cancer. Version 1.2023. Available from: https://www.nccn.org (accessed March 2024).
  8. NSW Government. Stages of Cancer [webpage]. Page last updated; 2022. Available from: https://www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/about-cancer/cancer-basics/stages-of-cancer#tnm (accessed March 2024).
  9. Cancer Council Australia [website]. Cancer side effects. Available from: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/cancer-side-effects (accessed March 2024).
  10. National Cancer Institute. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Side Effects of Cancer Treatment [webpage}. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects (accessed March 2024).
  11. Cancer Council Australia [website]. Does cancer only cause physical changes? Available from: https://www.cancer.org.au/iheard/does-cancer-only-cause-physical-changes (accessed March 2024).
  12. Cancer Council Australia [website]. After a diagnosis. Available from: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/after-a-diagnosis# (accessed March 2024).

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Disclaimer:

This website is provided for information purposes only. Nothing on this website is intended to be used as medical advice, or to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It should not be used as a substitute for your own health professional's advice. Any medical procedure or treatment carries risks. Before proceeding with treatment, you should discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment with an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Individual treatment outcomes and experiences will vary.

This website is provided for information purposes only. Nothing on this website is intended to be used as medical advice, or to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It should not be used as a substitute for your own health professional's advice. Any medical procedure or treatment carries risks. Before proceeding with treatment, you should discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment with an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Individual treatment outcomes and experiences will vary.
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