Risk Factors of Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men ages 20 to 34 years old. It is a disease in which cancer forms in one or both testicles. The testicles are 2 egg-shaped glands inside the scrotum (a sac of loose skin that lies directly below the penis). They are the male sex glands that make testosterone and sperm.

Risk Factors of Testicular Cancer

There are factors that raise a man s risk of getting this disease:

• An undescended testicle - One or both testicles don t move from the abdomen to the scrotum.

• Young age - Young men have a higher risk of getting testicular cancer. It is the most common cancer between the ages of 20 to 34, the second most common cancer between the ages of 35 to 39, and the third most common cancer between the ages of 15 to 19.

• A personal history of testicular cancer - Men who already had testicular cancer have a higher risk of developing a tumor in the other testicle.

• A family history of testicular cancer - Men with a family history of testicular cancer may have a higher risk of developing testicular cancer.

• Klinefelter's syndrome - This is a genetic disorder in males caused by having an extra X chromosome.

• Race - Testicular cancer is more common among White men.

Signs of Testicular Cancer

Possible signs of testicular cancer include:

• a painless lump or swelling in either testicle

• change in how the testicle feels

• dull ache in the lower abdomen or the groin (area where the thigh meets the abdomen)

• sudden build-up of fluid in the scrotum

• pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum

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Provided by www.4woman.gov