Over 8,000 new cases of testicular cancer are diagnosed every year, primarily affecting men between the ages of 20 and 39.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for testicular cancer include the following:
• Age – Younger men are more likely to develop the disease.
• Race – Testicular cancer is most common among white males.
• An undescended testicle, even after corrective surgery.
• Congenital abnormalities – Men born with irregularities of the testicles, penis or kidneys, as well as those with a hernia in the groin, may be at an increased risk.
• Prior history of cancer in one testicle – the opposite testicle is then at a higher risk.
• A family history of testicular cancer.
Diagnosis
Several methods can be used to diagnose and identify the progression of testicular cancer:
• A physical exam – A thorough examination can rule out disorders other than cancer.
• Blood tests – Certain types of testicular cancer raise the level of specific substances in the blood. Blood tests that measure the levels of those substances are used to diagnose testicular cancer, and in some cases determine the extent of the disease.
• Ultrasound – Imaging techniques can help indicate possible tumors.
