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Testicular cancer

Cancer of the testes is the most common cancer in men 15-45 years of age. Overall, cancer of the testes is uncommon.
 
Causes of Testicular Cancer

The only known causes of testicular cancer are;
  • Undescended testis [cryptorchidism] - this means that a testicle has not fully descended from inside the abdomen to the scrotum. Sperm production in such a testis is reduced and surgical correction is often recommended before age 2 years to limit this. Abnormal growth can be more readily detected if the testis is in the scrotum.

  • Klinefelter syndrome - a genetic condition that occurs in males, involving an extra X chromosome in the body's cells. A variety of characteristics relating to sexual maturation may be present, including undescended testis.

Some predisposing risk or contributing factors to developing testicular cancer are:

  • Family history - Though this is rare, clustering in the families has been reported

  • Cancer in one teste - This increases the risk of cancer developing in the other

There are no associations (risk factors) with injuries or vasectomy. Sometimes trauma or sporting injuries may produce a lump in the testis and thereby draw attention to the presence of an underlying tumour. Th ere is no evidence that testicular cancer is associated with marital status or sexual activity

Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer

  • The most common symptom is a swelling (usually painless) in part of one testicle.

  • Some men may notice an ache in their lower abdomen or in the affected testis.

  • There may be a feeling of "heaviness" in the scrotum.

These symptoms are also associated with other conditions and should always be investigated by a doctor.

Find out more
Go to our Online library - Cancer types section.  See also Care and support section  
Testicular cancer position statement - Cancer Council Australia
 
Andrology Australia - information about male reproductive health, including testicular cancer  
Cancerbackup UK


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