What is Testicular Cancer?
Testicular cancer develops in the testicles, which are part of the male reproductive system. The testicles, also known as testes, are located inside the scrotum under the penis, and their main function is to produce sperm. While relatively rare, testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in men 20 to 35 years old. About 9,700 new cases of testicular cancer are diagnosed each year. Testicular cancer is highly treatable, even when it has metastasized (spread) beyond the testicles.
Testicular cancer primarily originates from the germ cells, the cells that produce immature sperm. The main types of testicular cancer are:
- Germ Cell Tumors: These make up the vast majority of testicular cancers.
- Seminomas: These grow and spread slowly and are sensitive to radiation therapy. They typically occur in men in their 30s and 40s.
- Non-seminomas: These tend to grow more rapidly than seminomas and are less sensitive to radiation. Non-seminomas include several subtypes such as embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac tumor, choriocarcinoma, and teratoma. These usually occur in younger men, typically between their late teens and early 30s.
- Stromal Tumors: Less common than germ cell tumors, these start in the hormone-producing tissues of the testicles. They include:
- Leydig Cell Tumors: These begin in the cells that make male sex hormones but are usually benign.
- Sertoli Cell Tumors: Also typically benign, these tumors start in the cells that nourish germ cells.
- Secondary Testicular Cancers: These are cancers that have spread to the testicles from other parts of the body, though they are rare.
Risk Factors
Testicular cancer has several known risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing the disease, including:
- Age: Testicular cancer is most common in young and middle-aged men, particularly those between the ages of 15 and 35.
- Family History: Having a family history of testicular cancer increases a man's risk. If a father or brother has had testicular cancer, there is a higher chance of developing it.
- Personal History: Men who have had testicular cancer previously are at a higher risk of developing cancer in the other testicle.
- Race and Ethnicity: The incidence of testicular cancer varies among races and ethnicities, being more common in white men compared to men of other races.
- Cryptorchidism (Undescended Testicle): This condition is when one or both testicles fail to descend from the abdomen into the scrotum before birth. Men with this condition have an increased risk of testicular cancer, even if the testicle has been surgically relocated into the scrotum.
- HIV Infection: There is some evidence to suggest that men infected with HIV, particularly those with AIDS, are at increased risk.
- Certain Congenital Abnormalities: Men born with abnormalities of the testicles, penis, or kidneys, and those with inguinal hernia, may have an increased risk.
Understanding these factors can help early detection. By prioritizing regular check-ups and prompt medical attention, the GW Cancer Center Urological Cancer team can significantly improve the prognosis and survival of testicular cancer.
