Testicular cancer develops in one or both testicles — part of the reproductive system that produces male hormones and sperm. It's most common in young men, ages 20 to 40, but it can develop at any age. It's a highly curable cancer, particularly if it is diagnosed and treated early. There are two types of testicular cancer:
- Nonseminoma: The most common type of testicular cancer, it tends to grow and spread (metastasize) more quickly than seminomas.
- Seminoma: A slow-growing cancer that typically stays just in the testes, but can spread to the lymph nodes. It's most common in men in their 30s and 40s.
Signs You Should Get Help for Testicular Cancer
- A painless lump or swelling in the testicle(s)
- Feeling of heaviness or achiness in the lower abdomen or groin
- A sudden build-up of fluid in the scrotum
- Pain or discomfort in the testicle(s) or scrotum
The Rush Approach to Testicular Cancer
At Rush, you will be cared for by our team of nationally recognized urologists and genitourinary medical oncologists who are leaders in treating testicular cancer and other urologic and reproductive tract cancers.
Our team offers the latest advances in treatments for testicular cancer including imaging, genomic testing, radiology, targeted therapies, radiology, immunotherapies and minimally invasive surgeries. Our specialists work with you to create an individualized care plan to balance the aggressiveness of your cancer treatment with your quality of life.
Your treatment options depend on the type and stage of cancer and how fast it is growing. Your care may include one or more approaches:
- Active surveillance: Monitors your condition closely — without any treatment — until your symptoms change. This is often the best approach if your testicular cancer is small and doesn’t appear to be growing.
- Surgery: Removes the testicle and some lymph nodes (to determine if the cancer has spread)
- Chemotherapy: Destroys the cancer cells and stops them from growing
- Radiation therapy: Kills the cancer or keeps it from spreading
- Stem cell transplant: Replaces and restores your body’s blood cells destroyed by high doses of chemotherapy
Meet our testicular cancer providers
Rush Excellence in Testicular Cancer Care
- Nationally ranked excellence: U.S. News & World Report ranked Rush University Medical Center among the best in the nation for cancer care and high performing for urology.
- Leading-edge treatments and personalized medicine: Rush urologists are known for pioneering treatment options and research for patients with testicular and other urologic cancers. They also work closely with Tempus — a biotechnology company that analyzes your specific genetic and clinical data to provide information about how your cancer may respond to targeted treatments. This allows your care team to tailor your treatment to find the most effective option for treating your testicular cancer. For higher-risk patients, we offer access to care you would not find elsewhere through our clinical trials.
- Multidisciplinary team focused on you: You will have a multidisciplinary care team — including urologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and surgical oncologists — who work with you and each other to develop a personalized treatment plan for your testicular cancer.
- Follow-up care where — and when — you need it: After your testicular cancer surgery, you will need follow-up care. We make it it very convenient for you by providing care at a number of Rush locations in the Chicago area including downtown Chicago, Oak Park, Lisle and Aurora/Fox Valley.
