With the right treatments, more than 95 percent of people assigned male at birth survive testicular cancer. But as a nationally designated Testicular Cancer Center of Excellence, we can do more for our patients.
We focus on the quality of your life during and after cancer treatment, too. And we use everything we have — from safer radiation therapies and chemotherapy to surgical expertise — to help you thrive now and well into the future.
What is testicular cancer?
The testicles (testes) are two acorn-shaped glands located inside the scrotum (the pouch of skin that holds the testicles). They are part of the male reproductive system and make testosterone and sperm.
Testicular cancer occurs when cancerous cells grow inside the tissues of one or both testicles. While uncommon in the overall population, it’s the most common cancer in young people between the ages of 15 and 35.
Testicular cancer is a type of genitourinary (GU) and urologic cancer. GU cancers are cancers that involve the urinary or genital organs.
Types of testicular cancer
About 95 percent of testicular cancers happen in germ cells, which are located in the testicles. Knowing the type of germ cell tumor is important for choosing effective treatments. The two types of germ cell tumors are:
- Seminomas: Seminomas are slower-growing cancers and more sensitive to radiation treatments.
- Nonseminomas: Nonseminomas grow and spread faster than seminomas.
Testicular cancer symptoms
Symptoms of testicular cancer can be like the symptoms of other noncancerous testicular conditions. If you have any of these symptoms, see a doctor to help determine the cause:
- Change in the way a testicle feels to the touch
- Fluid buildup in the scrotum (the pouch of skin that holds the testicles)
- Pain in the abdomen or groin
- Testicle pain or discomfort in one or both testicles and the scrotum
- Swelling or a lump in one or both testicles
What causes testicular cancer?
Doctors usually don’t know what causes testicular cancer. Those who develop the disease are more likely to have certain risk factors for the disease. These risk factors include:
- Age: People between the ages of 20 and 35 are at the highest risk for developing testicular cancer.
- Anatomy: Having an undescended testicle or abnormal development of the testicles are risk factors for testicular cancer.
- Medical history: You have a higher risk of developing testicular cancer if you have a personal or family history of the disease, especially in a brother or male cousin.
- Race: White people assigned male at birth are at a higher risk.
Testicular cancer care: the Penn Medicine advantage
Cancer in the testicles is not common, but we treat many males with it each year. As one of the largest testicular programs in the world, we offer:
- World-renowned specialists: Our testicular cancer team includes doctors known for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Studies show that the number of cases a hospital treats has a direct influence on survival. These specialists bring decades of experience to your bedside.
- The latest treatments: Our active testicular cancer clinical research program gives men access to breakthrough therapies, such as proton radiation. Our research gives our patients more options when cancer doesn’t respond to standard treatments.
- Personalized treatment plans: Our world-class cancer specialists work together to develop treatment plans that consider your personal benefits and risks, lifestyle and other factors. We offer standard and experimental therapies, including surgery from top cancer surgeons and advanced radiation treatments like proton therapy. Read more about our comprehensive testicular cancer treatments.
- Testicular Cancer Center of Excellence: The Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation has designated us a Testicular Cancer Center of Excellence. The foundation reserves this designation for centers that show the highest level of expertise in testicular cancer treatment. Our patients receive consistent, reliable, effective testicular cancer care.
- Specialization in harder-to-treat cancers: Cancers that have spread beyond the testicles (metastasized) tend to be harder to treat. We offer special expertise in the treatment of metastatic testicular cancer, including complicated cases. From complex, multi-organ surgeries to high-dose chemo with stem cell transplant, you have options even when standard treatments don’t work.
- Expert advanced practice providers: Our highly trained advanced practice providers (APPs) are cancer researchers, educators and leaders who specialize in genitourinary (GU) cancers like testicular cancer. They make sure you get the diagnostic tests needed for timely treatment. They also guide you through next steps after diagnosis.
- Subspecialized radiologists and pathologists: To receive a detailed diagnosis, you may undergo imaging tests and a biopsy. Our radiologists (imaging specialists) and pathologists (lab specialists) have special expertise in GU cancer treatment. This level of focus ensures they notice details others may miss. Their findings lead to more thorough, personalized treatment plans.
- Expertise in testicular cancer genetics: Rarely, testicular cancers are passed down through families. Our doctors have led groundbreaking research to identify who’s at highest risk of developing testicular cancer. They use this knowledge to improve care and find testicular cancers early, when they’re most treatable.
- Expedited care: From the moment you contact us, you’re our priority. Cancers in the testicles can spread quickly, so we work quickly. If you have testicular cancer symptoms, we make sure you get your first appointment within days. And if we confirm you have the disease, you start treatment immediately.
- Fertility preservation options: If both testicles are removed, this will cause infertility as sperm production is no longer possible. We offer advanced fertility preservation services for males who want the option of having biological children after treatment. These services include sperm banking (freezing and storing sperm for later use).
Our approach to testicular cancer
Testicular cancer usually involves more than one type of treatment. Our GU cancer experts meet regularly to discuss the best combination of treatments for each individual patient. That means you benefit from treatments that consider every part of you, including your lifestyle goals and preferences.
Your comprehensive testicular cancer treatment may include:
- Testicular cancer surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Adjuvant (after surgery) radiation therapy
- Testicular cancer active surveillance
How we help you thrive after cancer treatment
While testicular cancer is highly curable, you may experience short- and long-term treatment side effects. Some of these problems may develop years after diagnosis (late effects).
Our Testicular Cancer Survivorship Program helps you live life to the fullest after treatment. You get resources and a personalized survivorship plan that help you manage and prevent these late effects.
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.