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testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 45. Currently about 2000 men a year develop the disease in the UK.

The incidence of testicular cancer has risen dramatically over the last 20 years, and doctors are baffled as to why this is.

Men with one or more undescended testes have a greatly increased risk. This condition may increase the risk of testicular cancer by five to ten times.

Testicular cancer can have a strong genetic component. First degree relatives (brothers, fathers or sons) of testicular cancer patients have an increased risk of developing this disease. Inherited genetic factors may play a role in up to one in five testicular cancers.

Scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research co-ordinate an international team of researchers which aims to identify genes implicated in susceptibility to testicular cancer. Studies by this group have initially highlighted a region on the X chromosome that may contain a testicular cancer gene, but the actual gene has yet to be identified and there are likely to be several testicular cancer genes to identify.

Scientists do not know what percentage of cases are caused by an inherited genetic susceptibility, but some estimates put the figure at as high as 30% of all cases.

Most (up to 99%) of testicular cancers can be cured if caught at an early stage. Even when these tumours spread they can still be cured in approximately 95% of cases.

Testicular cancer normally presents itself as a lump in the testicle. Regular examination of the testicle can, in most instances, detect testicular cancer at an early stage but neglect can lead to presentation with advanced cancer. If a lump or change in the testicles is identified, a GP will arrange for a testicular ultrasound which would then indicate if the lump was benign or a possible tumour.

The Institute was responsible for the development of carboplatin, a new drug which is highly successful in treating testicular cancer and has led to today's high cure rate.

Treatment for testicular cancer may be very intensive, but most patients cured of testicular cancer have no long-term side effects from treatment. A small proportion of patients will become infertile after chemotherapy treatment. Other side effects of treatment are uncommon but may include damage to the nerve endings, hearing, spasms in the blood vessels and possibly an increased risk of heart disease in the future. There may be a small increased risk of developing other cancers. The risks of these problems are fewer if the cancer is treated early.

What are the symptoms?

  • a lump in either testicle
  • any enlargement of a testicle
  • a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
  • a dull ache in the abdomen or groin
  • a sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
  • enlargement or tenderness of the breasts

If you have any of these symptoms, go and see your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

  • Look at our further help page for links to some useful cancer support organisations.
  • a copy of our male cancer information leaflet.
    (This leaflet contains versions of the prostate and testicular fact sheets).

Please click on to the following to have some of your main concerns about prostate and testicular cancer answered by one of our male cancer experts at The Institute of Cancer Research:

Please note: Although we have made our best efforts to ensure that the information that appears on this website reflects current medical and scientific knowledge, we cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. The information presented here should only be used to support, not replace, the advice of your own doctor. The Institute of Cancer Research cannot accept any responsibility for the misuse of this information.
a hands on guide to
self-examination

You should perform these steps regularly. A thorough examination may be easier after a warm bath or shower as the scrotal skin relaxes.

Most lumps found on the testicules are benign but any changes in size, shape or weight should be checked by your GP

Most lumps found on the testicles are benign but any changes in size, shape or weight should be checked by your GP.

Support the scrotum in the palm of your hand and become familiar with the size and weight of each testicle

Support the scrotum in the palm of your hand and become familiar with the size and weight of each testicle.

Examine each testicle by rolling it between your fingers and thumb. Press gently to feel for lumps, swellings, or changes in firmness

Examine each testicle by rolling it between your fingers and thumb. Press gently to feel for lumps, swellings, or changes in firmness.

Remember each testicle has an epididymis at the top which carries sperm to the penis. Don't panic if you feel this - it's normal

Remember each testicle has an epididymis at the top which carries sperm to the penis. Don't panic if you feel this - it's normal.

 

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