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Testicular cancer is a malignant tumor arising from the testis and is the most common cancer in males aged 15–35 years. Most cases originate from germ cells. Although it can progress rapidly, cure rates are usually high with standardized treatment, even in some patients with metastatic disease.
1. Two major categories
Testicular tumors are broadly divided into germ cell tumors (accounting for more than 90%) and non-germ cell tumors.
2. Germ cell tumor classification
These mainly include seminoma and non-seminomatous germ cell tumors, the latter comprising several subtypes.
3. Subtypes of non-seminomatous tumors
These include embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac tumor, choriocarcinoma, and teratoma.
4. Mixed tumors
Some tumors contain multiple histologic components and are classified as mixed germ cell tumors.
5. Non-germ cell tumors
Rare types include Leydig cell tumors and Sertoli cell tumors.
6. Clinical staging
The TNM staging system is used according to tumor invasion and spread to guide treatment.
1. Cryptorchidism
This is the most important risk factor. The risk is significantly increased when the testis fails to descend into the scrotum.
2. Testicular developmental abnormalities
Conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome are associated with a higher incidence.
3. Familial and genetic factors
A family history of testicular cancer increases risk.
4. Age
It most commonly affects young males aged 15–35 years.
5. Racial differences
Incidence is higher in White populations than in some other racial groups.
6. Previous medical history
After cancer develops in one testis, the risk in the contralateral testis is increased.
7. Infertility
Infertility may be associated with an increased risk of testicular cancer.
1. Regular testicular self-examination
Perform monthly self-examination after a shower, gently rolling each testis to check for lumps, firmness, or changes in size. Seek medical attention promptly if abnormalities are found.
2. Timely management of cryptorchidism
Early corrective surgery in childhood can significantly reduce risk and support normal testicular development.
3. Awareness of risk factors
Understand family history and other risk factors. High-risk individuals should undergo closer monitoring and avoid testicular trauma.
4. Professional medical evaluation
Individuals with symptoms or increased risk should undergo regular ultrasound screening, with particular attention to the contralateral testis.
5. Healthy lifestyle
Maintain a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, and support overall immune health.
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that testicular cancer mainly affects young men, but overall treatment outcomes are favorable, and even advanced disease may still be curable. Improving awareness and performing regular self-examination are key to early detection. After diagnosis, standardized treatment should be based on histologic subtype and stage, and ongoing advances in minimally invasive and other techniques continue to improve outcomes. A positive attitude can make a significant difference in how patients cope with the disease and navigate the path to recovery.
Testicular cancer is a malignant tumor arising from the testis and is the most common cancer in males aged 15–35 years. Most cases originate from germ cells. Although it can progress rapidly, cure rates are usually high with standardized treatment, even in some patients with metastatic disease.
1. Two major categories
Testicular tumors are broadly divided into germ cell tumors (accounting for more than 90%) and non-germ cell tumors.
2. Germ cell tumor classification
These mainly include seminoma and non-seminomatous germ cell tumors, the latter comprising several subtypes.
3. Subtypes of non-seminomatous tumors
These include embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac tumor, choriocarcinoma, and teratoma.
4. Mixed tumors
Some tumors contain multiple histologic components and are classified as mixed germ cell tumors.
5. Non-germ cell tumors
Rare types include Leydig cell tumors and Sertoli cell tumors.
6. Clinical staging
The TNM staging system is used according to tumor invasion and spread to guide treatment.
1. Cryptorchidism
This is the most important risk factor. The risk is significantly increased when the testis fails to descend into the scrotum.
2. Testicular developmental abnormalities
Conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome are associated with a higher incidence.
3. Familial and genetic factors
A family history of testicular cancer increases risk.
4. Age
It most commonly affects young males aged 15–35 years.
5. Racial differences
Incidence is higher in White populations than in some other racial groups.
6. Previous medical history
After cancer develops in one testis, the risk in the contralateral testis is increased.
7. Infertility
Infertility may be associated with an increased risk of testicular cancer.
1. Regular testicular self-examination
Perform monthly self-examination after a shower, gently rolling each testis to check for lumps, firmness, or changes in size. Seek medical attention promptly if abnormalities are found.
2. Timely management of cryptorchidism
Early corrective surgery in childhood can significantly reduce risk and support normal testicular development.
3. Awareness of risk factors
Understand family history and other risk factors. High-risk individuals should undergo closer monitoring and avoid testicular trauma.
4. Professional medical evaluation
Individuals with symptoms or increased risk should undergo regular ultrasound screening, with particular attention to the contralateral testis.
5. Healthy lifestyle
Maintain a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, and support overall immune health.
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that testicular cancer mainly affects young men, but overall treatment outcomes are favorable, and even advanced disease may still be curable. Improving awareness and performing regular self-examination are key to early detection. After diagnosis, standardized treatment should be based on histologic subtype and stage, and ongoing advances in minimally invasive and other techniques continue to improve outcomes. A positive attitude can make a significant difference in how patients cope with the disease and navigate the path to recovery.