Testicular cancer

Overview

Malignant tumours in the testicle are called testicular cancer. They mainly affect men between the ages of 20 and 50. Risk factors include undescended testicles, first-degree relatives with testicular tumours, or a tumour in the other testicle. The most important symptom is a painless, enlarged testicle on one side, possibly in combination with a feeling of tightness. Men should examine their testicles once a month.

Symptoms

Main symptoms

• Painless, one-sided enlargement or lump
• Testicles feel rougher than usual
• Feeling of heaviness/tightness in the scrotal region

Other symptoms

• Physical examination can cause pain
• Possibly, twinges in the groin
• Enlarged mammary glands and early puberty are possible (hormone-producing tumours)
• Advanced stages: fatigue, weight loss, pain in the back and the bones

Causes and treatment

Causes

The causes aren’t known, but there are certain and suspected risk factors

• Undescended testicles (one or both testicles don’t move down from the abdominal cavity or groin)
• Increased risk of cancer in a testicle if testicular cancer was previously diagnosed in the other testicle
• Hormonal factors (greatest risk during the years of highest sexual activity levels)
• Contact with various chemical substances (e.g. carbon black and insecticides)
• First-degree relatives with testicular cancer
• Existing HIV disease

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

• Inspection and physical examination of testicles
• Illumination with a flashlight (diaphanoscopy)
• Blood test (tumour markers)
• Scrotal ultrasound
• CT scan (computed tomography), if necessary
• Biopsy for examination under a microscope

Possible therapies

• Operation
  • First option for all malignant testicular tumours
  • Removal of diseased testicle
  • If patient still wants children: storage of sperm, if required
• Depending on tumour stage: also chemotherapy with/without radiation

What can I do myself?

• Men between puberty and 50 years: examine testicles once a month for swelling and hard lumps
  • Particularly important if patient had undescended or retractile testicles
  • Procedure: Relaxed posture, warm temperature, in the shower or bath
• Go to the doctor quickly if a tumour is suspected, as tumours grow very fast!

When to see a doctor?

• Every change and abnormality in a testicle
• Painful or painless and rough swelling
• Blood in urine or sperm
• Emergency: acute, sudden onset of testicle pain, (testicular torsion or inflammation)

Further information

Hirslanden: How to correctly examine your testicles
www.hirslanden.ch/en

Krebsliga Schweiz (Swiss Cancer League)
www.krebsliga.ch

Synonyms

testicular cancer, seminoma, non-seminoma