Testicular cancer

The testicles produce the hormone testosterone and sperm, which are needed for reproduction.

Testicular cancer develops in the testicles. It can occur in men of all ages, although it's more common in men under the age of 50. ^{Footnote [1]} As with all types of cancer, finding it early is very important, as this allows doctors to treat it more quickly and effectively. It can feel worrying to think about cancer, but if it is diagnosed, there are many treatments available and usually a good chance of successful outcomes, especially when it’s found early.

Testicular cancer starts from cells in the testicles that have started to grow uncontrollably. These cells form into a lump, known as a tumour. Not all lumps are cancer, but it’s still important to have them checked by a doctor. If it isn’t treated, it can spread throughout your testicles and travel to other parts of the body.

Many men who are diagnosed with testicular cancer undergo treatment and can go on to lead a normal everyday life.

You can check your testicles to see if you have signs of testicular cancer. Regularly checking your testicles may help you to notice any change in their appearance, size or feel.  

Some of the symptoms of testicular cancer include:^{Footnote [2]}

• Heavy or hard scrotum (the skin).
• An enlarged testicle or a new difference between the size of each testicle.
• A swelling or lump in a testicle.
• Sharp pain or feeling uncomfortable in your testicle or scrotum.
• Firmer testicles or a change to how they feel. 

These symptoms can also be caused by other illnesses, so they don't always mean that you have cancer. If you have any of these symptoms, you should speak to your doctor.

Symptoms might include the following, associated with testicular cancer.

• Difficulty breathing and swallowing.
• Unexplained coughing.
• Swollen chest area.
• Pain in the back or lower abdomen

Your doctor may need to examine your testicles. Some people find this uncomfortable, but it is a routine examination and an important part of assessing your health.

If you would prefer to be seen by a male doctor, you can request this when booking your appointment. Doctors carry out these examinations regularly and will help you feel as comfortable as possible.

They may also carry out a general check-up, such as listening to your chest.

You may then be sent for some blood tests or referred to a specialist, who may order other investigations ^{Footnote [3]} to assess the lump and see if any testicular cancer has spread, for example:

• An ultrasound scan on your testicles
• A CT scan
• An MRI scan. 

If you have testicular cancer, the treatment you'll be offered will be tailored to you and your cancer. A multidisciplinary team of specialists will look at the type of cancer you have, whether it's spread, your overall fitness, and how likely your cancer is to return after treatment. They’ll then work out a treatment plan for you.

You may be offered one or several of the following treatments: ^{Footnote [4]}

• Surgery to remove your testicle. You will usually be offered a testicular implant to replace the missing one. You may also have surgery to remove cancer that has spread elsewhere in your body. After surgery, you may need other treatments, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
• Chemotherapy drugs to destroy cancer throughout your body.
• Radiotherapy treatment to destroy cancer cells.

You may need regular tests after treatment to check if your cancer has come back.

Having one testicle removed does not usually affect your fertility. However, some non-surgical treatments (such as chemotherapy) may affect your ability to have children in the future. It’s important to speak to your doctor about this before starting treatment.

You may wish to consider storing your sperm beforehand, so you have the option of having children later.

There are a few different types of testicular cancer, depending on the type of cells where the cancer starts.^{Footnote [5]}

Germ cell tumours 

Most testicular cancers develop from germ cells in the testicles. These are known as germ cell tumours (GCTs). Germ cells in the testicles produce sperm.

There are three types of germ cell cancer:

• Seminomas can happen between the ages of 15 and 50. But the average age at diagnosis is 35.
• Non-seminoma tumours. Non-seminomas usually occur between the ages of 15 and 35.
• Mixed germ cell tumours. These contain both seminoma and non-seminoma cells.

You will be offered different forms of treatment depending on which you have. 

Spermatocytic tumours

These tumours usually develop later in life. They’re unlikely to spread throughout the body and are usually easier to treat than germ cell tumours.

Teratomas and yolk sac tumours

These tumours usually develop in young children who haven’t yet gone through puberty. The tumours respond well to treatment and are unlikely to come back.

Lymphoma

This cancer affects white blood cells in the testicles. It’s very rare and usually affects men over the age of 50.

Sex cord stromal tumours

These tumours grow in the tissues that support the testicle, known as stroma. They can be benign, which means they aren’t cancerous and have a low chance of spreading.

Doctors do not yet know exactly what causes testicular cancer, but they have identified some factors that may increase your risk of developing it. These include:^{Footnote [6]}

• Your ethnic background. Men who are from a white British background have a higher chance of developing testicular cancer.
• Your family history of testicular cancer. It’s much more likely if your father or brother have had it.
• If you have undescended testicles that haven’t been corrected by surgery.
• If you have had testicular cancer before.
• If you have HIV or AIDS.
• If you were born with hypospadias, or an unusual placement of the opening of the uretha.

If any of these things apply to you, it doesn’t mean that you will definitely get testicular cancer. 

There’s plenty of help available to you if you’re worried that you might have testicular cancer. Speak to your doctor as soon as possible if you have any symptoms.

You could use your health insurance cover to claim for treatment for testicular cancer. First, get a referral from your GP, or through our Digital GP app^. Then you can make a claim through MyAviva, online or contact us. 

If we confirm your claim meets the terms of your policy, we'll pay for the treatment directly, subject to your policy terms and conditions. Just be sure to tell us if you need more tests or treatment, or if your hospital or specialist changes. 

^ The service is non-contractual and can be withdrawn or amended by Aviva at any time.