Testicular Cancer: A Young Man's Disease

Testicular cancer can develop in one or both testicles and usually occurs in younger men, but can occur in older men as well. In fact, the average age at the time of a diagnosis is 33.

In the United States, between 7,000 and 8,000 diagnoses of testicular cancer are made each year and about 380 men will die from the disease.

However, according to the American Cancer Society, testicular cancer is not that common and a man's lifetime chance of developing testicular cancer is about 1 in 270.

What are the risk factors for testicular cancer?

One of the most common risk factors is if you have a family history. Some other risk factors include age, an undescended testicle, and abnormal testicle development.

What are the symptoms associated with testicular cancer?

If you have developed swelling or lumps in one or both testicles, have a heavy feeling in your scrotum, or a dull pain or feeling of pressure in your low belly or groin, you may want to consider seeing your doctor for further testing.

What are the treatments for testicular cancer?

Your treatment will depend on the type and the stage of your testicular cancer. Treatments can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a stem-cell transplant.

What types of tests can be done to confirm if you have testicular cancer?

A physical exam from your doctor, blood tests such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), CT Scan, and ultra sound are some tests that can be preformed in order to confirm testicular cancer.

What else do you need to know about testicular cancer?

Dr. Rian Dickstein discusses testicular cancer, including the symptoms, risks and treatments that are available.