Testicular cancer is a rare type of cancer that begins in the testicles, which are part of the male reproductive system. The testicles are responsible for producing sperm and testosterone, the hormone responsible for male sexual development. Testicular cancer typically affects young men, particularly those between the ages of 15 and 35, though it can occur at any age.

The majority of testicular cancers are germ cell tumors, arising from the cells that produce sperm. These tumors are broadly classified into two main types:

• Seminomas: Typically slow-growing tumors that are highly sensitive to treatment
• Non-seminomas: Generally more aggressive tumors that grow more rapidly and often require a different therapeutic approach

The reassuring news is that testicular cancer is one of the most highly curable solid cancers, especially when diagnosed at an early stage. At OncoClinic, we provide accurate diagnostics, clear explanations, and a personalized plan tailored to your diagnosis and goals.

Signs and symptoms

• Lump or swelling in one testicle
• Pain or discomfort in the testicle or scrotum
• Feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• Pain in the lower abdomen or groin
• Breast enlargement or tenderness (gynecomastia)
• Other symptoms may include unexplained back pain, swelling of the lymph nodes

Not all men with these symptoms have testicular cancer, but if any persist, seek medical evaluation promptly as early diagnosis is key to successful outcomes.

Risk factors

• Age: Testicular cancer most often affects men between the ages of 15 and 35
• Family history: Having a close family member, such as a father or brother, with testicular cancer increases risk
• Race/ethnicity: Testicular cancer is more common in white men than in men of other racial or ethnic backgrounds
• Fertility problems: Men with fertility issues or low sperm production have a slightly higher risk
• Previous testicular cancer: Men who have had testicular cancer in one testicle have a higher chance of developing it in the other testicle
• Undescended testicle: Men born with one or both testicles that did not move down into the scrotum have a higher risk, even if surgery was done later in life

Testicular cancer can develop in men of any age, but it is most common in younger men. Many men who develop testicular cancer have no known risk factors.

Screening

There is no formal population-based screening program for testicular cancer. However, unlike many other cancers, testicular cancer is often detected early because it is easy to examine and the symptoms are usually noticeable.

Diagnosis

Testicular cancer is most often suspected when a man notices a painless lump, swelling, or change in size or firmness of one testicle. Symptoms may also include a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum or, less commonly, pain.

Diagnostic evaluation includes:

• Clinical examination: Thorough physical examination of the testicles and scrotum
• Scrotal ultrasound: First-line and most important test to confirm the presence of a testicular mass and distinguish solid tumors from benign conditions

Blood tests (tumor markers)

These markers help support the diagnosis, guide treatment, and assess prognosis:

• Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
• Beta–human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG)
• Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)

Radical inguinal orchiectomy

• Surgical removal of the affected testicle is both diagnostic and therapeutic
• Biopsy of the testicle is not performed due to the risk of tumor spread

Staging

Staging is performed after orchiectomy and is based on pathological findings, tumor markers, and imaging studies. Staging investigations include:

• CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis to evaluate retroperitoneal lymph nodes
• Chest imaging (X-ray or CT) to assess for lung metastases
• Post-orchiectomy tumor marker levels to assess residual disease
• PET/CT is not routinely used in the initial staging of testicular cancer, but may be considered in selected cases, particularly for evaluating residual masses in seminoma after treatment

Clinical relevance

• Stage I: Cancer confined to the testicle
• Stage II: Spread to regional lymph nodes
• Stage III: Distant metastatic disease

Accurate diagnosis and staging are essential for selecting appropriate treatment and achieving the excellent cure rates associated with testicular cancer.

Treatment and procedures

At OncoClinic, we provide comprehensive care for patients with testicular cancer. Our multidisciplinary team ensures that each patient receives a personalized and effective treatment plan, based on established standards of care. Our services include:

Personalized treatment plans: Each patient’s treatment is tailored according to the type and stage of testicular cancer, ensuring an individualized and evidence-based approach.

Fertility preservation: Fertility preservation is discussed with all patients prior to treatment. Options such as sperm banking are offered when appropriate, recognizing the young age of many patients affected by testicular cancer.

Surgery: Surgical management, including radical inguinal orchiectomy, is a cornerstone of treatment and is performed in collaboration with our accredited partner hospitals, ensuring high standards of surgical care and continuity of treatment.

Systemic therapy: When indicated, we provide systemic treatments such as chemotherapy, which is highly effective in testicular cancer and used according to disease stage and histology.

Radiation therapy: For selected patients with seminoma, radiation therapy may be used as part of the treatment strategy to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Multidisciplinary care: Our team includes urologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, nurses, fertility specialists, and psychosocial care professionals who work collaboratively to deliver coordinated and compassionate care.

Support services: We offer comprehensive supportive care services, including psychosocial support, nutritional counseling, and survivorship care, to address the physical and emotional needs of patients throughout their treatment journey.

We are committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care and achieving excellent outcomes for individuals diagnosed with testicular cancer through personalized treatment strategies and multidisciplinary collaboration.

References

EAU guidelines on testicular cancer
European Association of Urology, latest update

NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: testicular cancer
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), latest version

Curing metastatic testicular cancer
Einhorn LH – Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2002

Testicular cancer, version 2.2025, NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology
Gilligan T et al. – Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, 2025

Testicular seminoma and non-seminoma: ESMO–EURACAN clinical practice guidelines
Oldenburg J et al. – Annals of Oncology, 2022