With the right treatments, more than 95 percent of men 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 men 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.
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
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 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 internationally-recognized testicular cancer experts, including David Vaughn, MD, Thomas Guzzo, MD, MPH and John Christodouleas, MD. They help set the testicular cancer care best practices for the nation and use their expertise to choose the most effective treatments for you.
- 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. Learn more about our genitourinary cancer clinical trials.
- Experience: As one of the biggest testicular cancer programs in the U.S., we treat 60 to 80 new testicular cancer cases each year. That’s more than any other hospital in Pennsylvania and the tri-state area. And experience counts — studies show that men do better in experienced centers, even when the cancer has spread.
- 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.
- 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). Learn more about Penn Fertility and Cancer.
What Causes Testicular Cancer?
Doctors usually don’t know what causes testicular cancer. Males who develop the disease are more likely to have certain risk factors for the disease. These risk factors include:
- Age: Males 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 males are at a higher risk.
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:
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.
Learn more about Penn Medicine’s Testicular Cancer Survivorship Program.
Make an Appointment
Please call 800-789-7366 or request a callback.