Testicular Cancer Specialist

What is testicular cancer?

Testicular cancer develops in a man’s testicles. Your testicles, or testes, hang beneath your penis in a loose sack of skin called a scrotum. Your testes make sex hormones and sperm.

There are two types of testicular cancer: seminoma and nonseminoma. Seminoma tumors are most common in older men and usually aren’t as aggressive. Nonseminoma tumors usually occur in younger men and can spread and grow quickly.

Testicular cancer is relatively uncommon and highly treatable, even if it spreads. Men between 15-35 years of age are most often affected, and it usually occurs in only one testicle.

What are the symptoms of testicular cancer?

Testicular cancer can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• A lump or bump in your testicle
• Discomfort or pain in your scrotum or testicle
• Dull aches in your groin or belly
• A sensation of heaviness in your scrotum
• Tenderness or enlargement of your breasts

You might also experience fluid in your scrotum and back pain with testicular cancer.

What causes testicular cancer?

While the exact cause of testicular cancer is unknown, several factors can increase your chances of having testicular cancer, including:

• Having an undescended testicle or abnormal testicular development
• A family history of the condition
• Being between 15-35 years of age

Your risks of developing testicular cancer are also higher if you’re Caucasian.

How is testicular cancer diagnosed and treated?

The experienced team of urologists at Valley Urology Center generally diagnoses testicular cancer during a comprehensive physical exam that might include an ultrasound to look for physical abnormalities as well as blood tests to check for signs of disease. After your urologist confirms your diagnosis, they conduct additional tests to determine whether or not your cancer has spread beyond your testicle.

Based on your testicular cancer and the extent of your condition, your urologist might recommend a variety of treatments, including:

• Surgery to remove your testicle and sometimes nearby lymph nodes
• Radiation therapy to target cancer cells with energy
• Chemotherapy with medications to kill cancer cells throughout your body

In addition to medical therapies, your urologist might also suggest coping methods to ensure you have emotional support throughout your treatment. This can include testicular cancer community groups, connecting with friends and family, and learning more about testicular cancer and your care options.

For more information on testicular cancer if you’re in western Washington or the Pacific Northwest, call Valley Urology Center or schedule an appointment online today.