What are the symptoms and causes of testicular cancer?

For this blog, urology specialist Cletus Georges, MD, shares information on the symptoms and causes of testicular cancer.

Testicular cancer occurs in the testes, which is the male organ that produces sperm for reproduction. While it is rarer than other types of cancer, it is the most common type in American males between 15 and 35 years old. It is also very much treatable.

Cletus Georges, MD, mentions that the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer include a lump or enlargement in either testicle; heaviness or sudden collection of fluid or pain and discomfort in the scrotum; dull aches in the abdomen or groin; enlargement or tenderness of the breasts; and back pain. He also says that cancer, in most cases, only affects a single testicle.

Men who feel any pain, swelling or lumps in their testicles or groin area, which last longer than 10 days, should consult with their physician.

While it is not fully understood what causes testicular cancer, it occurs when healthy cells in a testicle are changed from growing and dividing normally to keep a person’s body functioning normally. Cletus Georges, MD, adds when these cells develop abnormalities and lead to out-of-control growth, the accumulating cells form a mass in the testicle.

In most testicular cancer cases, cancer begins in the germ cells, the cells in the testicles producing immature sperm.

Cletus Georges, MD, attended Cornell University Medical College and graduated in 1991. He completed his residency in Urology at Northwestern University McGaw Medical Center in 1997. He started his practice in Sebring, Florida, from August 1997 until December 1998. He then relocated to Orlando, Florida and worked with Mid Florida Urological Associates until 2014. For related reads, visit this page.