Date updated: June 01, 2009
Content provided by National Cancer Institute

Testicular Cancer is cancer that develops in the testicles also called testes or gonads are a pair of male sex glands. Testicular Cancer is a disease in which cells become malignant in one or both testicles. They produce and store sperm and are the main source of testosterone (male hormones) in men. These hormones control the development of the reproductive organs and other male physical characteristics. The testicles are located under the penis in a sac-like pouch called the scrotum. The causes are unknown but the studies show that testicular cancer is more common in men who have a testicle that has failed to descend. In the unborn child the testicles develop inside the abdomen between the kidneys and descend into the scrotum at birth or during the first year of life. If this does not happen, the risk of a man developing testicular cancer is increased. Men with a brother or father who has had Testicular Cancer are slightly more at risk of developing it (although the risk is still small). Research has shown that a particular gene is the cause of Testicular Cancer in some men. It is possible that this gene is inherited and may be the reason why testicular cancer sometimes occurs in brothers or sons of men who have had the disease.

Symptoms include "Pain, swelling or lumps in your testicles or groin area". Most cases can be treated, especially if it is found early. Treatment options include "Surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy". Regular exams after treatment are important. Treatments may also cause infertility. If you may want children later on, you should consider sperm banking before treatment.