Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men 15 to 35 years old. Testicular cancer is more common in white men than in black men.

The causes of testicular cancer are not completely understood. But the following conditions increase the risk of development:

• Reference Undescended testicle Opens New Window. Men with undescended testicles have the highest risk for developing testicular cancer. More study is needed to determine how much, if any, the risk decreases after surgical correction and whether age at the time of surgery is a significant factor.
• Abnormal testicular development.
• Reference Klinefelter syndrome Opens New Window.
• Previous diagnosis of testicular cancer.

The main symptom of testicular cancer is swelling or a painless lump in the scrotum (in or on a testicle). Other symptoms include a dull ache in the belly or pelvis, pain or a feeling of heaviness in the testicles, and fluid collection (edema) in the scrotum.

Testicular cancer is treated with a combination of surgery, Reference chemotherapy Opens New Window, and Reference radiation therapy Opens New Window. The exact treatment depends on the type and extent of the testicular cancer. Most forms of testicular cancer are curable when detected early.

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.