Testicular Cancer (Seminoma, Non-seminoma)
Overview
Testicular cancer originates in the testicles, the male reproductive glands that produce sperm and testosterone. It is the most common cancer in young men (ages 15–35) and is highly curable.
Main types:
- Seminoma – slow-growing, radiosensitive
- Non-seminoma – includes embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac tumor, choriocarcinoma, teratoma; tends to grow faster
Symptoms
- Painless lump or swelling in one testicle
- Heaviness in the scrotum
- Dull ache in groin or lower abdomen
- Breast tenderness or growth (from hormone-secreting tumors)
- Back pain (if cancer has spread)
Causes & Risk Factors
- Cryptorchidism (undescended testicle)
- Family or personal history of testicular cancer
- HIV infection
- Caucasian race
- Klinefelter syndrome (for certain types)
Diagnosis
- Physical exam and testicular ultrasound
- Blood tests for tumor markers: AFP, β-hCG, LDH
- CT scan of chest, abdomen, and pelvis (staging)
- Orchiectomy (surgical removal of the testicle)
Treatment Options
- Surgery (radical inguinal orchiectomy)
- Surveillance (low-risk cases)
- Radiation therapy (mainly for seminomas)
- Chemotherapy (cisplatin-based regimens)
- Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) in select cases
Prognosis
- Excellent cure rate, even in metastatic cases
- 5-year survival rate:
- Localized: >95%
- Regional/advanced: 73–96% depending on stage and type
Living with this Cancer Type
- Fertility preservation (sperm banking before treatment)
- Psychological support for body image and masculinity
- Hormone replacement therapy if both testicles are removed
- Long-term follow-up and imaging
Prevention & Screening
- No standard screening for asymptomatic men
- Testicular self-exams recommended for high-risk individuals
FAQs
Q: Can testicular cancer spread?
A: Yes, but even metastatic cases are usually curable.
Q: Does it affect fertility?
A: Possibly. Many preserve fertility with sperm banking before treatment.
Q: Will I need hormone therapy?
A: Only if both testicles are removed or hormone levels drop.
Resources
- Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation
- American Urological Association
- Livestrong Foundation
- ClinicalTrials.gov
Understand Precision Testing
Learn how liquid biopsy and chemo sensitivity testing can personalize your treatment plan.
Make Informed Decisions
Gain knowledge to actively participate in treatment discussions with your healthcare team.
Improve Treatment Outcomes
Discover how precision medicine and metabolic therapies can enhance treatment effectiveness.
Start Your Educational Journey Today
Empower yourself with knowledge about precision metabolic oncology and take an active role in your cancer care journey.
Need More Information?
Our team of oncology experts is here to help you understand your diagnosis and treatment options.