Testicular cancer

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Testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is a disease that occurs when abnormal cells in the testicles (testes) begin to grow in an uncontrolled manner. Although rare, it is the most common form of cancer in men between the ages of 20 and 34 and is among the most curable types of cancer, especially when it is detected at an early stage.

The testes are the two male sex organs, or gonads, that produce and store sperm. The testes also produce testosterone, a male hormone. The testes are located in a pouch below the penis called the scrotum.

Common symptoms of testicular cancer include an often painless change in the size or shape of one or both testes, a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, or a dull pain in the lower back, abdomen, or groin.

Testicular cancer is most common among white males and is considered uncommon in men of African and Asian descent.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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