Testicular cancer
Testicular cancer is when abnormal cells in a testicle start to divide and grow in an uncontrolled way. The testicles are part of the male reproductive system.
The testicles are two small oval shaped organs which hang below the penis in a pouch of skin called the scrotum.
From the age of the testicles produce sperm.
The collecting tubules inside the testicle join together to form a tube called the epididymis. This tube carries on and gets wider as it leaves the testicle. The wider tube is called the .
The spermatic cord forms a short tube called the ejaculatory duct. This duct opens into the urethra (the tube from the to the end of the penis).
The testicles produce the hormone testosterone. Testosterone helps with:
the development of a deep voice
the growth of facial hair
muscle development
the ability to have an erection
sex drive (libido)
This video shows you different parts of the male reproductive system. It lasts for 1 minute and forty seconds.
The testicles are made up of different types of cells. The type of cancer you have depends on the type of cell the cancer starts in.
Most testicular cancers develop in germ cells. These are the cells that make sperm. They are also called germ cell tumours. The 2 main types of testicular germ cell tumours are:
seminoma
non seminoma
are part of the lymphatic system that runs throughout the body. The lymph nodes and lymph vessels contain a yellow fluid called lymph that flows through the lymphatic system. It collects waste products and drains into veins for the waste to be removed.
Cancer can spread to the lymph nodes and make them bigger (enlarged). It is common for testicular cancer to spread to the lymph nodes in the back of the tummy (abdomen). These are called the retroperitoneal lymph nodes.
These lymph nodes are behind your bowel and just in front of your spine. They run alongside the major blood vessel in the abdomen (the aorta and the inferior vena cava).
Read more about the lymphatic system and cancer
In the UK around 2,400 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year. Although testicular cancer is rare, it is more common in men in their early 30s. It then becomes less common as they get older.
Younger men are more likely to get testicular cancer.
Trans women can also develop testicular cancer if they haven't had an operation to remove their testicles (orchidectomy).
Last reviewed: 06 Jan 2025
Next review due: 06 Jan 2028
Symptoms of testicular cancer include a lump or swelling in part of one testicle or a heavy scrotum. Find out about other possible symptoms and when you should see your GP.
Your type of testicular cancer depends on which type of cell it started in. Knowing your type helps the doctor decide which treatment you need.
You usually start by seeing your GP. They might refer you for tests or to a specialist if you have symptoms that could be caused by testicular cancer.
You usually have surgery. You might have chemotherapy or radiotherapy. This depends on the stage and type of your testicular cancer.
There are some factors that increase the risk of testicular cancer. These include having an undescended testicle and abnormal cells in the testicle.
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