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Testicular cancer is a disease where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in one or both testicles, the two egg-shaped organs inside the scrotum that produce sperm and male hormones. Most testicular cancers begin in germ cells, which are the cells responsible for making sperm. These cancers are called testicular germ cell tumors. Although testicular cancer is rare compared to other cancers, it is the most common cancer in young and middle-aged men, especially those between 20 and 39 years old.
Testicular cancer is important to recognize early because it is highly treatable and often curable, even when diagnosed at an advanced stage. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the affected testicle, and may also include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant depending on the cancer’s type and spread. Because the testicles produce sperm, treatments can affect fertility, so patients who wish to have children in the future should discuss sperm banking with their care team before starting treatment.
Patients may notice a painless lump or swelling in a testicle, a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, or a dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin. Sometimes there may be sudden fluid buildup or discomfort in the scrotum. Doctors diagnose testicular cancer through physical exams, ultrasound imaging, blood tests for tumor markers, and often by surgically removing the testicle to examine the tissue under a microscope. Treatment plans may include the BEP chemotherapy regimen, which combines three drugs to attack cancer cells in different ways. Patients might hear about surveillance, which means close monitoring after surgery without immediate further treatment, to watch for any signs of cancer returning.
When testicular cancer is suspected, doctors perform exams and tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the cancer’s type and stage. This helps guide treatment decisions. Surgery to remove the affected testicle is common and provides tissue for diagnosis. Blood tests measure tumor markers that help track the cancer’s response to treatment. Chemotherapy regimens like BEP (bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin) are often used to treat germ cell tumors. After treatment, regular follow-up exams and tests are important to check for recurrence or spread. Because testicular cancer can affect both the patient and their caregivers emotionally, support and counseling may be part of care.
Testicular cancer can be confused with other conditions that cause lumps or pain in the testicles, such as infections or inflammation. Not every lump is cancer, but any changes should be checked by a healthcare provider. Patients may wonder about the impact of treatment on fertility, side effects of chemotherapy, or the meaning of surveillance. Helpful questions to ask your care team include: What type of testicular cancer do I have? What are my treatment options and their side effects? How will treatment affect my fertility? What follow-up care will I need? How can I support my emotional well-being during this time?
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