How common are testicular tumors?

Approximately three in 100,000 men develop testicular tumors each year.

Who develops testicular cancer?

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men between the ages of 20 to 34 years. Olympic Gold Medalist, figure skater Scott Hamilton and Tour de France champion, cyclist Lance Armstrong have had testicular cancers.

Are there any risk factors for testicular cancer?

The only risk factor associated with testicular tumors is a history of an undescended testicle, failure of a testicle to drop down into the scrotum by birth. Despite early surgery to bring down these testicles, there is still an increased risk (from 25 to 50 times) of developing testicular cancer. Self-examination is particularly important for these men, since a tumor can occur in either testicle.

What is the most important message for young men with testicular cancers?

It is important to realize that with timely diagnosis, testicular cancer is highly treatable and usually curable.

What are the symptoms of a testicular tumor?

The most commonly reported symptom is a painless swelling or enlargement of the testicle. Unfortunately, it is common for men to delay reporting these subtle findings or symptoms (an average of 30days or more). A small percentage of men will report pain, usually a dull ache in association with a lump or firm area within the testicle.

How is the diagnosis made?

Until proven otherwise, any lump or firm area within the testicle should be considered a potential tumor. The urologist may use an ultrasound to confirm clinical suspicion of a tumor. There are tumor markers which are also helpful for determining the potential type of testicular cancer and for follow-up after completion of treatment.

How are testicular tumors treated?

Suspicious tumors are treated initially by surgical removal of the testicle through a groin incision, a radical orchiectomy procedure. Subsequent treatment will depend on the tumor type and its stage at the time of diagnosis. Initial staging will involve blood tumor markers, a chest x-ray, and an abdominal CT scan.

Testicular cancers are categorized by their cell type. The most common cell type is seminoma, a tumor that is quite sensitive to radiation therapy. Other cell types, called non-seminomatous tumors, are treated or managed by observation, surgery or chemotherapy, depending on the cell type and extent of spread. Another cell type, called teratoma, may only need careful surveillance with periodic CT scans, chest x-rays and tumor markers.

What can be expected after treatment for testicular cancer?

Removal of one testicle should not impair a patient's sexual potency. They may experience a brief decrease in sperm production but the remaining testicle should produce adequate amounts of testosterone.

Fertility may be affected if patient needs additional treatment (radiation to the pelvis, chemotherapy, or lymph node dissection surgery) after the initial surgery to remove the affected testicle. Sperm banking is an effective way to manage the possibility of infertility.

What is the cure rate for testicular cancer?

The good news for testicular cancer patients is that effective chemotherapy, combined with surgery, can give cure rates of nearly 100 percent for low stage or early disease, and more than 85 percent for more advanced disease.

How do I perform a testicular exam?

Monthly testicular self-exams are the most important way to detect a tumor early. Exams are best done after a warm bath or shower when the skin of the scrotum is relaxed. You should look for any changes in appearance and then carefully examine each testicle by rolling it between the fingers and thumbs of both hands to check for any lumps. If you have any concern, you should meet with a urologist.

Glossary Terms

abdomen - also referred to as the belly or stomach;
descended - lowered;
fertility - the ability to conceive and have children;
groin - the area where the upper thigh meets the lower abdomen;
incision - surgical cut for entering the body to perform an operation;
lymph nodes - produce special cells that help fight off foreign agents; Cancer cells may spread through lymph nodes;
stage - classification of the progress of a disease;
testicle - also called testis; either of the paired, egg-shaped glands contained in a pouch (scrotum) below the penis; they produce sperms and testosterone;
tumor markers - a substance produced in the body by particular tumors;

*  This information is not intended to substitute for a consultation with a urologist. It is offered to educate patients on the basis of urological conditions in order to get the most out of their office visits and consultations. Please see our web page disclaimer for addition information.

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