What is testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer is uncommon and mostly affects males aged 15-49. The most common type is germ cell testicular cancer. Germ cells are the cells used to create sperm. The two types of germ cell testicular cancer include:
- Seminomas: responsible for around half of cases
- Non-seminomas: these include choriocarcinomas, embryonal carcinomas, teratomas and yolk sac tumours
Rarer types of testicular cancer include lymphoma, Leydig cell tumours and Sertoli cell tumours.
Causes of testicular cancer
No one is sure exactly what causes testicular cancer. It’s more likely if a man has undescended testicles. In most cases, babies are born with their testicles already in the scrotum. In rare cases, a baby’s testicles remain in his abdomen – although they may naturally descend into the scrotum during his first year. However, men with undescended testicles have a much higher chance of having testicular cancer than those whose testicles descended at birth or soon afterwards. Other risk factors include:
- A family history of testicular cancer or undescended testicles
- Having had testicular cancer in the past
Symptoms of testicular cancer
In most cases, symptoms include:
A lump or swelling in one of the testicles
Changes in shape or texture of the testicles
Pain, aching or feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
Pain in your back, groin or lower abdomen
Tenderness or swelling in the breast or nipple (caused by hormonal changes)
Having one or more of these symptoms doesn’t mean you have cancer but it’s best to ask your doctor for advice. The sooner your cancer is detected, the better the chances of treating it successfully.
Tests and diagnosis
As well as discussing your symptoms and carrying out a physical examination, you may be offered:
- Blood tests to check your hormone levels
- Scans including ultrasound, CT and MRI
- Removal of the testicle (orchidectomy) for analysis. It’s rare to carry out a biopsy because it can risk the cancer spreading
Treatments we offer
Treatments of testicular cancer include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Radiotherapy kills cancer cells. It’s used in the early stages of cancer treatment or after it has started to spread. It can also be used to relieve pain and discomfort from cancer that has spread.
Chemotherapy is medication that treats your cancer. The drugs kill cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and spreading further.
Radiotherapy kills cancer cells. It’s used in the early stages of cancer treatment or after it has started to spread. It can also be used to relieve pain and discomfort from cancer that has spread.
Chemotherapy is medication that treats your cancer. The drugs kill cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and spreading further.
Meet our doctors
Everything we do is focused on designing better care for our patients. With a network of 12 specialist oncology treatment centres across the UK, we provide the most up-to-date treatments and technology as standard.
We attract and retain some of the most experienced doctors in the country, who all have a passion for improving patient outcomes and specialise in the treatment of different types of cancer.
Search for a centre near you
Unit 710, Centennial Park, Centennial Avenue, Elstree, Borehamwood, WD6 3SZ
+44 (0)208 236 9040
The Park Centre for oncology, Sherwood Lodge Drive, Burntstump Country Park, Nottingham, NG5 8RX
+44 (0)1158 077 400