Testicular Cancer

Each year, more than 9,500 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer, and more than 400 die of the disease. Although men of any age may develop testicular cancer, it is most frequently diagnosed in men ages 20-34.

Donate to Help Stop Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is usually curable when found early and treated appropriately; treatment is often successful even at later stages.

Risk Factors

You might be at increased risk for testicular cancer if you:

Had an undescended testicle(s) at birth or other abnormal development of the testes
Are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Have a genetic problem caused by having an extra X chromosome
Have a personal or family history of testicular cancer
Are white

Symptoms

Talk with your health care professional right away if you have any of these symptoms:

A painless lump, enlargement or swelling in either testicle
A change in how the testicle feels
Dull aching in the lower abdomen, back or groin
Pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum
Sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
Feeling of heaviness in the scrotum

Prevention

If you have a son who was born with an undescended testicle, talk with his health care professional about correcting it before he reaches puberty.

Early Detection

Ask your health care professional to examine your testicles as part of your routine physical exam.
Talk with your health care professional about testicular self-exam. It is one way to get to know what is normal for you. If you notice a change, talk with your health care professional right away.