Testicular Cancer Basics

Testicular cancer starts in the male gland known as the testicle or testis. It is most often found in men age 15 to 44 years. It’s pretty rare and very treatable. Early diagnosis can lead to testicular cancer being cured. Risk of death from this cancer is small with treatment.

The most common sign of a testicular tumor are a painless lump in the testicle. Other symptoms may include swelling of the testicular (with or without pain) or a feeling of weight in the scrotum, pain or a dull ache in the testicle, scrotum or groin and tenderness or changes in the male breast tissue. So what causes testicular cancer? Some risk factors may not be possible to avoid so the best plan is to catch it early. Men with highest risk are those with a father or brother who had testicular cancer, those with a history of undescended testes or abnormal cells in the testicle called germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS). If you fall into any of these categories, do a testicular self-exam each month. The self-exam may help you catch problems early, when treatment is easier.

There are many kinds of treatment options for testicular cancer. Talk to your doctor to decide on the best course of action for you.

The below resources can be used to help you learn more basic information about testicular cancer.

Testicular Cancer Fact Sheet
Testicular Cancer Survivor Story Podcast

For more detailed, in-depth information about testicular cancer, view the below resources.

Testicular Cancer Patient Guide