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Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is a growth of cancer cells in a testicle. It mainly affects younger men, usually shows as a painless lump, and is one of the most treatable cancers.
Causes & risk factors
- An undescended testicle in childhood
- Family history of testicular cancer
- Previous testicular cancer in the other testicle
- Young adult age group (most common 15 to 40)
Common symptoms
- A painless lump or swelling in a testicle
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- Dull ache in the lower abdomen
- Change in size or firmness of a testicle
- Breast tenderness (rare)
Tests & diagnosis
- Scrotal ultrasound
- Beta-hCG (tumour marker)
- AFP and LDH tumour markers
- CT scan for staging
- CBC
Treatment & management
- Surgery to remove the affected testicle
- Chemotherapy or radiotherapy depending on type and stage
- Surveillance for early-stage disease in some men
- Sperm banking before treatment if desired
- Regular follow-up with tumour markers and scans
When to see a doctor urgently
- Any new lump or swelling in a testicle
- A change in size, firmness or a dull ache
- Heaviness in the scrotum that does not settle
- Do not delay — most lumps are checked simply and quickly
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about testicular cancer. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Is a lump in the testicle always cancer?
No. Many lumps are harmless (cysts or fluid), but any new lump should be checked promptly with an ultrasound to be sure.
Is testicular cancer curable?
It is one of the most treatable cancers, with high cure rates even when it has spread, especially when found and treated early.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.