Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer typically develops in one or both testicles in men. The testicles are located inside the scrotum, which is a loose bag of skin underneath the penis. The testicles produce male sex hormones and sperm needed for reproduction.

Compared to other types of cancer, testicular cancer is rare. It is the most common cancer in American males between 15 and 35 years of age; however, this cancer is highly treatable, even when cancer has spread beyond the testicle.

Facts: According to the Illinois State Cancer Registry, in 2021, there was 375 new cases of testicular cancer in Illinois. In 2021, 16 Illinoisans died from testicular cancer.

The cause of testicular cancer is largely unknown, but scientists have found a few risk factors. However, most men with testicular cancer do not have any of the known risk factors, which include:

The main risk factor for testicular cancer is a condition called cryptorchidism, or undescended testicle(s). In a fetus, the testicles typically develop inside the abdomen and descend into the scrotum before birth.

A family history of testicular cancer.

Two recent studies by the American Cancer Society have shown that an unusual condition in which multiple pigmented spots or moles are found, mainly on the back, chest, abdomen, and face, is associated with an increased risk of developing testicular cancer.

Some studies have shown men infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), particularly those with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), are at increased risk.

A history of testicular cancer. Men who have been cured of cancer in one testicle have an increased risk of eventually developing cancer in the other testicle.

Most testicular cancers occur between the ages of 15 and 40. However, this cancer can affect males of any age, including infants and elderly men.

The risk of testicular cancer among White men is about 5 to 10 times that of African American men and more than twice that of Asian American men. The risk for Hispanics is between that of Asians and non-Hispanic Whites.

A recent study from Sweden identified body size as a risk factor. The highest risk was seen in tall, slim men. The health benefits of being slim, however, outweigh any concern about testicular cancer.

Common symptoms of testicular cancer include:

• A lump on a testicle that is often painless but slightly uncomfortable or testicular enlargement or swelling.
• A sensation of heaviness or aching in the lower abdomen or scrotum.
• Breast tenderness and/or breast growth. Certain types of testicular tumors secrete high levels of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), which stimulates breast development.
• Lower back pain (a frequent symptom of later-stage testicular cancer).
• Shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, or bloody sputum (if the cancer has spread to the lungs and is well advanced).

Some types may produce androgens (male sex hormones) or estrogens (female sex hormones). Estrogen-producing tumors in men may cause breast growth and/or loss of sexual desire. Androgen-producing tumors may not cause any specific symptoms in men, but in boys, they can cause the growth of facial and body hair at an abnormally early age.

In some cases, testicular cancer is found during medical testing for other conditions. Sometimes, imaging tests done to find the cause of infertility can uncover a small testicular cancer.

Several noncancerous conditions, such as testicle injury, can produce symptoms similar to those of testicular cancer. It is important to report any of these symptoms to a doctor.

• It is not currently possible to prevent most cases of this disease. Monthly self-exams are the best way to find a testicular tumor early.
• Cryptorchidism should be checked and corrected promptly.

• American Cancer Society
• National Cancer Institute