What it is
Testicular cancer starts in one of the testicles (testes), the two glands in the scrotum that make sperm and testosterone. It's most common in young and middle-aged men, and it can usually be treated successfully.[1]
Most testicular cancers are germ cell tumours, divided into seminomas and non-seminomas, which behave differently and are treated differently.[2] They often release tumour markers into the blood (AFP, beta-hCG and LDH) that help with diagnosis and follow-up.[2]
Diagnosis rests on scrotal ultrasound, serum tumour markers and radical inguinal orchiectomy for histology; a scrotal biopsy is avoided because it may spread cancer cells.[2] Spread is typically lymphatic to the retroperitoneal (para-aortic) lymph nodes before distant sites such as the lungs.[2]
See the testes, epididymis and the vas deferens in 3D.
See it in 3DThe scrotum (skin pouch) is not a separate part in this model.
How common it is
The American Cancer Society estimates about 9,810 new cases and about 630 deaths in the US in 2026.[1] About half of cases occur in men aged 20 to 45.[3]
Causes and risk factors
Things you can't change
- An undescended testicle (cryptorchidism) — one of the main risk factors.[3]
- A father or brother who had testicular cancer.[3]
- Previous cancer in the other testicle.[3]
- HIV infection, and Klinefelter syndrome.[3]
- Race: it's several times more common in white, American Indian and Alaska Native men than in Black, Asian American and Pacific Islander men.[3]
Most men with testicular cancer have no family history, and there's no known way to prevent it.[3]
Symptoms worth reporting to a doctor
- A lump or swelling in a testicle — often the first sign, and often painless
- A feeling of heaviness or aching in the lower belly or scrotum
- Pain in a testicle (less common)
- Breast growth or tenderness (rare)
- Low back pain, cough or shortness of breath — possible signs of spread
Many of these are more likely to have another cause, but anyone with them should see a doctor promptly.[4]
Get urgent care if…
Screening: who, when and how
There's no routine screening test. The USPSTF recommends against screening for testicular cancer in men without symptoms, including routine self-exams or clinician exams (grade D, 2011).[6] What still matters is awareness: knowing what's normal for you, and seeing a clinician promptly about any lump, swelling or change.[4]
How it's diagnosed
- Physical exam and ultrasound
- An ultrasound of the scrotum shows whether a lump is solid and inside the testicle.[2]
- Tumour marker blood tests
- AFP, beta-hCG and LDH.[2]
- Surgery to remove the testicle (inguinal orchiectomy)
- The testicle is removed through the groin and examined; this both diagnoses and treats the cancer.[2]
- Scans
- CT scans of the belly, pelvis and chest look for spread.[2]
Stages in general terms
- Localised: only in the testicle.
- Regional: spread to lymph nodes in the back of the abdomen.
- Distant: spread to distant lymph nodes or organs such as the lungs.
An illustration, not a stage. Human Atlas never assigns a stage. Only your own tests and your care team can do that.
Types of treatment
- Surgery. Removing the affected testicle; sometimes also removing lymph nodes in the abdomen.[2]
- Surveillance. Close follow-up with tests after surgery for some early cancers.[2]
- Radiation therapy. Used for some seminomas.[2]
- Chemotherapy. Highly effective for many testicular cancers, including some that have spread.[2]
Which option fits depends on the details of each person’s situation. Your care team decides with you.
What you can do
Know what's normal
Notice the usual size and feel of your testicles, and get any lump or change checked promptly.[4]
Don't wait on a lump
Most lumps aren't cancer, but a quick exam and ultrasound give a clear answer.[4][2]
Ask about sperm banking
Before treatment, ask whether to store sperm, as some treatments can affect fertility.[2]
Follow-up involves regular exams, tumour marker tests and scans for several years. Men with one healthy testicle can usually still make enough testosterone and father children.[2]
Questions to ask your doctor
- Is this lump inside the testicle? Do I need an ultrasound?
- What type of testicular cancer is it — seminoma or non-seminoma?
- What did my tumour markers show?
- Should I bank sperm before treatment?
- What follow-up will I need, and for how long?
Myth vs. fact
Related topics
Inguinal (groin) hernia
A bulge in the groin where tissue pushes through a weak spot in the belly wall. About 1 in 4 men get one in their lifetime.
Low testosterone (hypogonadism)
Testosterone falls only slowly with age. Real hypogonadism needs symptoms plus two low morning blood tests — and treatment isn't right for everyone.
Understanding cancer: the basics
What cancer is, how screening differs from diagnosis, what 'stage' means, and the main types of treatment — in plain English.
Sources
- American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Testicular Cancer (2026 estimates). Checked 23 October 2026.
- National Cancer Institute. Testicular Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version. Checked 23 October 2026.
- American Cancer Society. Testicular Cancer Risk Factors. Checked 23 October 2026.
- American Cancer Society. Signs and Symptoms of Testicular Cancer. Checked 23 October 2026.
- MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine). Testicular torsion. Checked 23 October 2026.
- US Preventive Services Task Force. Testicular Cancer: Screening (April 2011). Checked 23 October 2026.
- National Cancer Institute. Cancer Staging. Checked 23 October 2026.
The owner of this website is not a doctor. Human Atlas provides educational anatomy information and does not diagnose, stage, or treat disease. Talk to a qualified clinician about anything concerning your own health.