What is testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the testicles, the male reproductive glands located inside the scrotum. It typically starts in the germ cells responsible for producing sperm, which produce germ cell tumors.
While this urologic cancer is rare compared to other cancers, it is the most common cancer in younger men. The American Cancer Society reports a rate of about 1 out of every 250 males. However, it is highly treatable, especially when detected early.
There are two main types: seminomas and nonseminomas, each with different growth patterns and treatment approaches. The American Cancer Society’s article on various testicular cancers provides more information.
Who does this condition normally affect?
Testicular cancer most commonly affects young and middle-aged men, typically between the ages of 15 and 35. It’s the most common cancer in this age group, but remains highly treatable, even when diagnosed at an advanced stage.
What are the common causes/risk factors of testicular cancer?
While the exact cause isn’t always known, several risk factors increase a man’s chances of developing testicular cancer:
- Undescended testicle (cryptorchidism)
- Family history of testicular cancer
- Personal history of testicular cancer in the other testicle
- Certain genetic syndromes or infertility
- Caucasian ethnicity (higher incidence compared to other races)
What are the symptoms of testicular cancer?
Men often notice:
- A painless lump or swelling in the testicle
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- Dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
- In some cases, breast tenderness or enlargement (due to hormone-secreting tumors)
- Rarely, back pain or shortness of breath if the cancer has spread
Since early detection is one of the keys to a more successful result, we at Tower Urology recommend that you do a self-exam regularly.
How is testicular cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically begins with a physical exam and scrotal ultrasound. If a suspicious mass is found, we will move on to blood tests for tumor markers (AFP, beta-hCG, LDH). Advanced imaging (CT scan) may be used to evaluate for spread.
Please note that early testicular cancer is sometimes mistaken for epididymitis, hydrocele, or trauma-related swelling. Any persistent lump or change in the testicle should be evaluated promptly by a urologist or other specialized health care provider. Delayed diagnosis can impact treatment options.
How is testicular cancer treated?
Treatment depends on the type (seminoma vs. nonseminoma) and stage of the cancer:
- The surgical removal of the testicle (radical inguinal orchiectomy) is the first step in nearly all cases.
- Surveillance (watchful waiting) may be used for early-stage cancers.
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy may follow based on pathology and staging.
- For advanced disease, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) or further systemic therapy may be required.
We generally avoid radiation therapy for nonseminomatous tumors. This treatment option has fallen out of favor due to long-term side effects and inferior outcomes compared to chemotherapy. Typically, we do not routinely recommend procedures with limited benefits unless evidence-based guidelines support us.
What is the recovery process from testicular cancer treatments?
Recovery depends upon the selected treatment plan, but generally:
- Recovery from orchiectomy is typically quick—most men return to regular activity within 1–2 weeks. Most patients go on to live long, healthy lives.
- Chemotherapy can cause fatigue, nausea, or temporary infertility, but it is highly effective.
- If RPLND is necessary, it requires more recovery time. However, newer surgical approaches have significantly reduced downtime and complications.
What sets Tower Urology apart in the treatment of this condition?
Tower Urology brings together fellowship-trained surgeons, cutting-edge diagnostics, and a collaborative cancer team under one roof.
We offer multidisciplinary patient care with close coordination between urology, oncology, and radiology. We also have extensive experience with nerve-sparing RPLND, a technically advanced procedure that preserves fertility and sexual function when lymph node dissection is needed. Not all practices offer this level of microsurgical precision.
Our approach is personal—we treat patients, not just pathology. From fertility preservation to long-term survivorship care, we’re with our patients every step of the way. Few centers offer this depth of specialization combined with individualized support.
We also prioritize support services such as oncofertility counseling and sperm banking before treatment, which many practices overlook.
Some important words to patients facing testicular cancer treatment
Testicular cancer is one of the most curable solid tumors in men, even when in an advanced stage. With the right treatment plan and support system, your prognosis is excellent.
Checking in with your urologist was a brave move.
Being proactive about your health gives you power over the disease.
Everyone at Tower Urology is here to help you confidently move from diagnosis to cure—and back to full life.
Check out the National Cancer Institute article to read more about testicular cancer.
Why choose Tower Urology for testicular cancer care in Los Angeles?
Tower Urology’s board-certified urological team has been a leader in effectively treating cancer needs for over two decades. Our specialists are trained in all aspects of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
The advantage of Tower Urology lies in our unwavering commitment to providing world-class urologic care through advanced technology, personalized treatment plans, and a patient-centered approach. With a reputation for excellence and innovation, we deliver superior outcomes that distinguish us as leaders in urologic health.
We invite you to establish a care plan with Tower Urology.
Tower Urology is conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area, including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, and Downtown Los Angeles.
Our services include treatment for testicular cancer, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, and cancer fertility management.
Testicular Cancer FAQs
Here are 20 essential questions to ask your doctor if you’ve been diagnosed with testicular cancer:
- What type of testicular cancer do I have?
- What stage is my cancer, and has it spread?
- What do my test results (blood tests, scans, biopsies) indicate about my prognosis?
- What treatment options are available for my specific type and stage?
- What are the benefits and risks of each treatment option?
- What treatment do you recommend and why?
- How soon do I need to start treatment?
- Will surgery be required? If so, what type?
- What are the short-term and long-term side effects of treatment?
- How will treatment affect my fertility and sexual health?
- Should I consider sperm banking or fertility preservation before treatment?
- What is the typical recovery period following treatment or surgery?
- Are there lifestyle changes I should make to support my recovery?
- What can I do to manage treatment side effects?
- What kind of follow-up tests or screenings will I need?
- How often will these follow-ups occur?
- What signs or symptoms should prompt me to contact you between visits?
- Can you recommend support groups or mental health resources?
- How can I manage emotional stress related to my diagnosis?
- Are there specialists or counselors you recommend for emotional or psychological support?
Asking these questions can empower you to actively participate in your treatment and recovery and ensure you fully understand your condition and the available options.
You should see a doctor promptly if you notice any of the following symptoms, as they may be early warning signs of testicular cancer:
- A lump or swelling in either testicle, which is usually painless.
- Enlargement, firmness, or a change in the way a testicle feels.
- Pain, discomfort, or numbness in a testicle or the scrotum, with or without swelling.
- A feeling of heaviness or dull ache in the lower abdomen, groin, or scrotum.
- Sudden buildup of fluid in the scrotum.
- Breast tenderness or growth (rare but can occur due to hormone changes from some tumors).
Other, less common symptoms—such as lower back pain, shortness of breath, chest pain, or unexplained weight loss—may indicate more advanced disease and show the need for medical attention.
Any lump, enlargement, hardness, pain, or tenderness should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.
It’s important to note that these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer, but early evaluation is crucial for effective treatment if cancer is present.
There are four stages:
Stage 0
Cancer is only in coiled tubes called seminiferous tubules, where sperm is made.
Stage 1
Stage 1: The tumor has grown outside the seminiferous tubules. It may have grown outside the testicle into nearby tissue. Tumor marker levels aren’t available or haven’t been checked.
Stage 1A: The tumor has grown outside the seminiferous tubules but is limited to the testicle. Tumor marker levels are normal.
Stage 1B: The tumor has grown outside the testicle. Tumor marker levels are normal.
Stage 1S: The tumor may or may not have grown outside the testicle or it can’t be measured. At least one tumor marker level is high.
Stage 2
Stage 2: The tumor may or may not have grown outside the testicle or it can’t be measured. Cancer has spread to at least one nearby lymph node. Tumor marker levels aren’t available or haven’t been checked.
Stage 2A: The tumor may or may not have grown outside the testicle or can’t be measured. Cancer has spread to 1-5 nearby lymph nodes; none is larger than 2 centimeters. Tumor marker levels are normal, or at least one is slightly higher than usual.
Stage 2B: The tumor may or may not have grown outside the testicle or can’t be measured. Cancer has spread to at least one nearby lymph node between 2 and 5 centimeters; or it has grown beyond the lymph node; or cancer is found in more than five lymph nodes. Tumor marker levels are normal, or at least one is slightly higher than usual.
Stage 2C: The tumor may or may not have grown outside the testicle or can’t be measured. Cancer has spread to at least one nearby lymph node that is larger than 5 centimeters. Tumor marker levels are normal, or at least one is slightly higher than usual.
Stage 3
Stage 3: The tumor may or may not have grown outside the testicle or it can’t be measured. The cancer may or may not have spread to nearby lymph nodes. Cancer has spread to distant parts of the body. Tumor marker levels aren’t available or haven’t been checked.
Stage 3A: The tumor may or may not have grown outside the testicle or can’t be measured. The cancer may or may not have spread to nearby lymph nodes. Cancer has spread to the lungs or distant lymph nodes. Tumor marker levels are normal, or at least one is slightly higher than usual.
Stage 3B: One of these:
- The tumor may or may not have grown outside the testicle or can’t be measured. The cancer has spread to 1 or more nearby lymph nodes. At least one tumor marker level is much higher than usual.
- The tumor may or may not have grown outside the testicle or it can’t be measured. The cancer may or may not have spread to nearby lymph nodes. Cancer has spread to the lungs or distant lymph nodes. At least one tumor marker level is much higher than usual.
Stage 3C: One of these:
- The tumor may or may not have grown outside the testicle or can’t be measured. The cancer has spread to 1 or more nearby lymph nodes. At least one tumor marker level is very high.
- The tumor may or may not have grown outside the testicle or it can’t be measured. The cancer may or may not have spread to nearby lymph nodes. Cancer has spread to the lungs or distant lymph nodes. At least one tumor marker level is very high.
- The tumor may or may not have grown outside the testicle or it can’t be measured. The cancer may or may not have spread to nearby lymph nodes. Cancer has spread to distant parts of the body other than the lungs or lymph nodes. Tumor marker levels may or may not be high.
Sources
What’s New in Testicular Cancer Research?
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/testicular-cancer/about/new-research.html
Testicular Cancer
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563159/
Testicular Cancer Society
https://testicularcancersociety.org/
