Miami Cancer Institute's testicular cancer oncologists combine world-class medical expertise and compassionate care to provide the most effective treatment options for our patients. Our oncologists have access to a range of innovative technologies to diagnose and treat your specific type of cancer, allowing them to create a personalized care plan that helps address your individual needs.
Our multidisciplinary team consists of internationally renowned medical oncologists, surgical oncologists and radiation oncologists who provide advanced diagnosis and treatment. Each individualized care plan includes cutting-edge therapies and services, such as nutritional advice and physical rehabilitation and pain management, to address the whole patient. Not only do we focus on the treatment that is right for your type of cancer, we focus on the treatment that is right for you as an individual.
What is testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells form in the testicles. Almost all testicular cancers start in the germ cells, which are cells that make sperm.
The testicles are two small glands that rest near the penis. They are held in a sac of skin called the scrotum. The testicles have cells that produce sperm and the male hormone testosterone.
What are the types of testicular cancer?
Most testicular cancers begin in the cells that make sperm (germ cells). There are two main types of germ cell tumors:
- Seminomas – this type of tumor usually grows slowly and is less likely to spread.
- Nonseminomas – this type of tumor is usually more aggressive and is more likely to spread.
A small percentage of testicular cancers start in the cells that make testosterone (stromal cells). Stromal tumors are often non-cancerous (benign).
What are the risk factors for testicular cancer?
There are few known risk factors for testicular cancer. In fact, most men who develop the disease do not have any of the known risk factors.
Most men who develop this disease are between the ages of 20 and 34. However, testicular cancer has been known to develop in older men and infants.
Some risk factors for testicular cancer can include:
- Having a personal or family history of testicular cancer
- Having an undescended testicle
- Being infected with HIV
What can you do to prevent testicular cancer?
Because there are few known risk factors for testicular cancer, and many of the known risk factors are unavoidable, it is not possible to prevent most cases of testicular cancer.
Is testicular cancer screening available?
There is no standard practice for testicular cancer screening. In many cases, the patient finds a lump or swelling by chance or during a self-exam. Sometimes a healthcare provider finds the cancer during a routine physical exam.
It is unlikely screening would affect a man's overall health and outcome, however, as it is possible to effectively treat testicular cancer at any stage.
