Causes and Risk Factors
No one knows what causes testicular cancer, but researchers suspect that the disease runs in families. Young Caucasian men are at greatest risk for developing testicular cancer. Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans are at medium risk, and African Americans are at very low risk.

Having an undescended testicle is the major risk factor. About 50 percent of men with testicular cancer have experienced trauma to their testes; however, it is not known whether trauma plays a causal role or whether it only brings attention to a pre-existing condition.

Other factors that are possibly involved include having had the mumps, which often affects the testicles, having been born to a mother who was given estrogen or had X-rays during pregnancy and delivery, and having certain rare conditions affecting the sexual organs.

Prevention
Because of the increased risk from an undescended testicle, boys with this problem should have the condition surgically corrected before they reach the age of three. When corrected at a later age, the condition continues to pose higher risk.

Testicular Cancer Symptoms
There are usually no symptoms in the early stages of testicular cancer. A painless bump on the testicle or slight enlargement of a testicle and change in its consistency may be the first sign of a problem. Pain does not usually occur until a later stage of the disease, but a dull ache in the lower abdomen and groin, accompanied by a feeling of heaviness, may be an early warning sign.

Testicular Cancer Diagnosis
Diagnosis of testicular cancer requires a physical examination, and may include X-ray studies. The diagnosis is confirmed by removal of the affected testicle. A biopsy, or small tissue sample, cannot be taken because a biopsy can cause the cancer cells to "spill," or spread. The second testicle is also checked to ensure that it is normal.

As part of the exam, lymph nodes in the abdomen are checked, as are the lungs, since the disease most often spreads to these areas. The levels of certain hormones may also be tested to monitor the success of treatment.

Early Detection of Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is very curable when found early. Your best protection is monthly self-examination, especially if you are in a high-risk group. Self-examination involves rolling each testicle gently between the thumb and fingers of both hands, and it is best done after a warm bath or shower. If you notice hard lumps or nodules, contact your doctor immediately.

Treatment
Testicular cancer has become a highly curable one, primarily because of earlier detection and better treatments. The preferred treatment for most cases is surgical removal of the affected testicle. Either radiation therapy or chemotherapy is usually then prescribed, depending on the type of cancer cells present. Sexual functioning is usually not affected, and the removed testicle can sometimes be replaced with a prosthesis.