Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is a malignancy that originates in one or both of the testes, the male reproductive glands responsible for producing sperm and testosterone. It most commonly presents as a nodule or mass within a testicle, which may be accompanied by swelling or discomfort, although not necessarily painful. The exact cause of testicular cancer remains unclear, but several risk factors have been identified, including undescended testes (cryptorchidism), family history, age (most common in young and middle-aged men), and race, with higher incidence rates in Caucasian populations.

The two main histological types of testicular cancer are seminomas, which tend to grow and spread more slowly, and non-seminomas, which are more aggressive and diverse, encompassing several subtypes such as embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac tumors, choriocarcinoma, and teratomas. Treatment effectiveness is high, especially when detected early, with options ranging from surgical removal of the affected testicle (orchiectomy) to chemotherapy and radiation, depending on the stage and type of cancer. Regular self-examinations and awareness of testicular health contribute to early detection, significantly improving prognosis and survival rates.