Cancer of the testicle

On this page

Overview

  • Testicular cancer is cancer that's found in the testicles.
  • It's most common in men aged 15 to 49. It can affect anyone who has testicles.
  • The testicles are 2 small oval-shaped organs which hang below the penis in a pouch of skin called the scrotum. The testicles make sperm and testosterone.
  • How serious testicular cancer is depends on the type of testicular cancer, how big it is and if it has spread.

Symptoms

Testicular cancer usually only affects one testicle, but it can affect both.

Symptoms of testicular cancer include:

  • a lump or swelling in your testicle
  • your testicle getting bigger
  • an ache or pain in your testicle or scrotum (the skin that covers the testicles)
  • your scrotum feeling heavy, firm or hard

Other symptoms can include:

  • an ache or pain in your back or lower tummy
  • losing weight without trying
  • a cough
  • difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • a sore or swollen chest

It's important to check your testicles regularly so you know what's normal for you. This makes it easier to notice any changes in the size, look or feel of your testicles.

See a GP if:

  • you have a lump or swelling on one or both of your testicles
  • one or both of your testicles are getting bigger
  • your scrotum (the skin that covers the testicles) feels heavy, firm or hard
  • you have an ache or pain in your scrotum or one or both of your testicles
  • you notice a change in one of both of your testicles that is not normal for you

Important

These symptoms are very common and can be caused by many different conditions.

Having them does not definitely mean you have testicular cancer. But it's important to get them checked by a GP.

This is because if they're caused by cancer, finding it early may mean it's easier to treat.

What happens at the GP appointment

The GP will ask you about your symptoms and general health. They will check your testicles and the lymph nodes (small glands that are part of the body's immune system) at the top of your legs.

Referral to a specialist

You may get an urgent referral for more tests or to see a specialist in hospital if the GP thinks you have symptoms that could be cancer. This does not definitely mean you have cancer.

Find out more

Cancer Research UK: seeing your GP about testicular cancer symptoms

Causes

Who is more likely to get testicular cancer

Testicular cancer mostly affects men aged 15 to 49. Anyone with testicles can get it.

It's not always clear what causes testicular cancer. You might be more likely to get it if:

  • you have or had undescended testicles (when one or both testicles do not drop down into the usual place in the scrotum)
  • your brother or father has had testicular cancer
  • you've had testicular cancer before
  • you have or had a condition called hypospadias where the hole that pee and sperm comes out of (urethra) is not at the tip of your penis
  • you have HIV or AIDS
  • you are from a white British background

It's important to get any symptoms of testicular cancer checked by a GP.

Tests and next steps

If the GP refers you to a specialist, you may need more tests and scans to check for testicular cancer.

Tests you may have include:

Getting your results

It can take a few weeks to get the results of your tests.

Try not to worry if your results are taking a long time to get to you. It does not definitely mean anything is wrong.

You can call the hospital or GP if you are worried. They should be able to update you.

A specialist will explain what the results mean and what will happen next. You may want to bring someone with you for support.

If you're told you have testicular cancer

Being told you have testicular cancer can feel overwhelming. You may be feeling anxious about what will happen next.

It can help to bring someone with you to any appointments you have.

A group of specialists will look after you throughout your diagnosis, treatment and beyond.

Your team will include a clinical nurse specialist who will be your main point of contact during and after treatment.

You can ask them any questions you have.

Macmillan Cancer Support has a free helpline that's open every day from 8am to 8pm.

They're there to listen if you have anything you want to talk about.

Call 0808 808 00 00.

Next steps

If you've been told you have testicular cancer, you'll usually need more tests.

These, along with the tests you've already had, will help the specialists find out the size of the cancer and if it has spread (called the stage).

You'll have surgery to remove the testicle (or rarely only part of the testicle) so it can be examined. This is also the main treatment for testicular cancer.

You may also have scans such as a CT scan or MRI scan.

The specialists will use the results of these tests and work with you to decide on the best treatment plan for you.

Find out more

Treatment

Testicular cancer is often treatable.

The treatment you have will depend on:

  • the size and type of testicular cancer you have
  • if it has spread
  • your general health

It will usually include surgery to remove the testicle. This may be your only treatment or you may also have chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Some treatments for testicular cancer can affect your fertility. Before you start treatment, you'll be offered the option to collect and store your sperm (called sperm banking).

The specialist care team looking after you will:

  • explain the treatments, benefits and side effects
  • work with you to create a treatment plan that's best for you
  • talk to you about the impact that treatment may have on your fertility

You'll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments. You may also have tests and scans.

If you have any symptoms or side effects that you're worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.

Surgery

Surgery to remove the testicle (orchidectomy) is the main treatment for testicular cancer.

It may be the only treatment you need.

You'll usually be given the choice to have an artificial testicle put in.

Rarely, you may only need part of your testicle removing (partial orchidectomy).

You might also have surgery to remove lymph nodes (small glands that are part of the body's immune system) in your tummy if your cancer has or might have spread to them.

If the cancer has spread to your lungs, you might have surgery on your lungs.

Find out more

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses medicines to kill cancer cells.

You may have chemotherapy for testicular cancer:

  • after surgery to help stop the cancer coming back
  • if the cancer has come back or spread to other parts of your body

Find out more

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays of radiation to kill cancer cells.

You may have radiotherapy if you have a certain type of testicular cancer and the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes (small glands that are part of the body's immune system) in your tummy.

Find out more

Storing your sperm before treatment

Some treatments for testicular cancer, such as chemotherapy, can affect your fertility. This means you might not be able to have children.

Before you start treatment, you'll be offered the option to collect and store your sperm (called sperm banking). In the future you can use your sperm in fertility treatment.

Having a testicle removed does not usually affect your fertility.

Find out more

What happens if you've been told your cancer cannot be cured

If you have advanced testicular cancer it might be very hard to treat. It may not be possible to cure the cancer.

If this is the case, the aim of your treatment will be to limit the cancer and its symptoms, and help you live longer.

Finding out the cancer cannot be cured can be very hard news to take in.

You will be referred to a special team of doctors and nurses called the palliative care team or symptom control team.

They will work with you to help manage your symptoms and make you feel more comfortable.

The clinical nurse specialist or palliative care team can also help you and your loved ones get any support you need.

Find out more

Help and support

You and your loved ones will be supported throughout your treatment for testicular cancer by a group of specialists.

The clinical nurse specialist, or another member of your specialist team, will be able to give you information on local support services that you may find helpful.

There are also national cancer charities that offer support and information about testicular cancer.

Cancer Research UK

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

Macmillan Cancer Support

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

Marie Curie

Care and support for anyone affected by a terminal illness.

Orchid

Information and support for anyone affected by testicular cancer, as well as penile and prostate cancer.

Testicular Cancer UK

Information and support for anyone affected by testicular cancer.



The information on this page has been adapted by NHS Wales from original content supplied by NHS UK NHS website nhs.uk
Last Updated: 06/11/2024 14:20:15