Testicular cancer is relatively uncommon. It involves young men between the ages of 20 and 35. It occurs in white men four to five times more than in black men. The cancer is usually found during a person's visit to their doctor because of a painless testicular mass, infertility, scrotal pain, or dull ache.

Risk factors, in addition to being young, white, and male, include being related to a person who has or has had testicular carcinoma. Your risk is also increased if you have had a previous testicular tumor or an undescended testicle. If you're at high risk, learn the self-screening techniques. See your physician yearly to get a physical examination.

If the tests reveal a testicular mass, your doctor will do a biopsy to determine whether it is cancerous. In most cases where cancer is confirmed, surgery is a very effective treatment. The procedure is called an orchiectomy. Once a testicular mass is confirmed as being cancer, an inguinal orchiectomy (removal of one or both testicles) is performed. Pelvic lymph nodes may be removed, depending on the stage and type of the cancer. A CAT scan of the lungs and abdomen will be performed. Radiation therapy and, or, chemotherapy are used in the treatment of testicular cancer that has spread. Even in advanced disease, a cure can be achieved in up to 90 percent of patients.To learn more about testicular cancer, call the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345 or the National Cancer Institute at (800) 4-CANCER.

Choose a Health Topic Category Aging Alcohol Problems Allergies Arthritis Back & Neck Problems Blood & Circulatory Problems Bones, Joints & Muscles Brain & Nervous System Cancer Cardiovascular Health Child Health & Development Common Illnesses Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surg Dental Health Diabetes Digestive System Drug Abuse Ear, Nose & Throat Eating Disorders Exercise & Fitness Eyes & Vision Family Planning Foot Care General Health Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects Headaches Health Quizzes Hearing HIV Infections / AIDS Hormonal Disorders Infectious Diseases Medications Men's Health Mental & Emotional Health Nervous System Newborn Care Nutrition Parenting & Family Life Personal Safety Pregnancy & Childbirth Preparing for Emergencies Respiratory Problems Sexually Transmitted Diseases Skin Health Smoking Sports Medicine Stress & How to cope Surgery Symptoms Teenage Concerns Test & Examinations Urinary and Genital Systems Weight Control Women's Health   Go