What is the first sign of testicular cancer?

A painless lump or swelling in one testicle is the most common early sign.

Is testicular cancer curable?

Yes. It is one of the most treatable cancers, especially when detected early.

Who is at the highest risk?

Men aged 15 to 44 years, especially those with an undescended testicle or a family history of undescended testicle.

Does testicular cancer always cause pain?

No. Most early cases are painless.

What treatment options are available at Renova Hospitals?

Renova Hospitals offers surgery (orchiectomy), chemotherapy (BEP/EP), radiation therapy, and complete cancer care under specialist supervision.

When should I consult Renova Hospitals?

If you notice a lump, swelling, or discomfort in your testicle, seek evaluation immediately at Renova Hospitals for early diagnosis and treatment.

Home Blogs Testicular Cancer: Signs, Stages, Treatment & What Every Man Should Know

By Renova Hospitals

February 28, 2026

Testicular Cancer: Signs, Stages, Treatment & What Every Man Should Know

Key Takeaways

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 15 to 44 years.
Although it represents only about 1% of all cancers in men, it has one of the highest cure rates.
The overall 5-year survival rate is about 95%.
Early-stage disease has a survival rate of ~99%.
The most common symptom is a painless lump or swelling in one testicle.

What Is Testicular Cancer?

Testicular cancer begins in the germ cells of the testicles, the cells that produce sperm. Around 90 to 95% of cases are germ cell tumours, divided into:

1. Seminoma

Slower-growing
Sensitive to radiation and chemotherapy
AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) remains normal

2. Nonseminoma

Faster-growing
Includes embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac tumour, teratoma, and choriocarcinoma
AFP may be elevated

Over the past 40 years, doctors have observed a steady rise in the number of testicular cancer cases, particularly in North America and Europe. However, mortality rates have declined due to Improved treatment approaches that combine surgery, chemotherapy, and careful follow-up.

Epidemiology & Statistics

United States (Recent Data)

~9,700–10,000 new cases annually
~600 deaths per year
Lifetime risk: 1 in 250 men (0.4%)
Average age at diagnosis: 33 years
Most common in ages 20–34
Overall 5-year survival: ~94.9%

Global Trends

More common in Western & Northern Europe
Lower incidence in Africa
Increasing rates are noted globally
The highest incidence among White men

Even though cases have increased, testicular cancer remains one of the most curable cancers today.

Risk Factors

The exact cause is still not fully understood, but certain factors are known to increase the risk, including:

Cryptorchidism (undescended testicle) – 2 to 4× higher risk
Family history (father or brother)
Previous testicular cancer
Infertility or impaired spermatogenesis
Klinefelter syndrome
Gonadal dysgenesis
Caucasian ethnicity
Possible environmental exposures (pesticides, PFAS chemicals)

Researchers have not identified a single major gene responsible for most cases, but chromosomal abnormality i(12p) is commonly seen in germ cell tumours.

Symptoms of Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer usually affects one testicle.

Common Symptoms

Painless lump
Swelling or enlargement
Heaviness in the scrotum
Firmness or hardness
Dull ache in the scrotum or lower abdomen

If the Cancer Spreads to Other Parts of the Body

Back pain (retroperitoneal lymph nodes)
Persistent cough or shortness of breath
Unexplained weight loss
Neck lymph node swelling
Breast tenderness (due to elevated β-hCG)

These symptoms may also occur in non-cancerous conditions, but it’s essential to see a doctor if you notice any of these changes.

Diagnosis

Early evaluation includes:

1. Physical Examination

Doctors treat any solid lump inside the testicle as cancer until proven otherwise.

2. Scrotal Ultrasound

An ultrasound helps confirm whether the lump is inside the testicle and whether it appears suspicious.

3. Serum Tumour Markers

AFP
β-hCG
LDH

AFP is never elevated in pure seminoma.

4. Radical Inguinal Orchiectomy

This surgery confirms the diagnosis and removes the tumour simultaneously.
Trans-scrotal biopsy is avoided due to the risk of local recurrence.

5. Imaging for Staging

CT scan abdomen & pelvis
Chest CT or X-ray
Brain imaging (if high β-hCG)

Staging & Survival Rates

Testicular cancer is staged using the TNM (Tumour–Node–Metastasis) classification system along with serum tumour markers (AFP, β-hCG, LDH) measured after orchiectomy. The stage helps determine the extent of spread and guides treatment decisions.

Survival rates vary depending on how far the cancer has spread:

Stage I (Localised Disease):
The cancer is confined to the testicle and has not spread to lymph nodes or distant organs. Approximate 5-year survival rate: ~99%
Stage II (Regional Spread):
The cancer has spread to nearby (retroperitoneal) lymph nodes but not to distant organs. Approximate 5-year survival rate: ~96%
Stage III (Distant Metastasis):
The cancer has spread to distant organs such as the lungs, liver, or brain.
Approximate 5-year survival rate: ~74% (varies based on risk group and tumour markers)
Overall (All Stages Combined):
When considering all stages together, the overall 5-year survival rate is approximately ~95%, making testicular cancer one of the most curable solid malignancies.

Unlike many other cancers, testicular cancer does not have a Stage IV category.

Treatment Options

Treatment is tailored based on the stage of cancer and the type of tumour.

Surgery (Orchiectomy)

Usually, the first thing your doctor will suggest.

Chemotherapy

Common regimens:

BEP (Bleomycin, Etoposide, Cisplatin)
EP
VIP

Platinum-based chemotherapy has dramatically improved survival rates over the years.

Radiation Therapy

Used mainly in early-stage seminoma.

Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection (RPLND)

Primarily for nonseminoma cases.

High-Dose Chemotherapy + Stem Cell Support

Used in relapsed/refractory disease.

Prognosis

Cure rate: >90% overall
Early-stage cure rate: ~100%
Even metastatic disease often responds to treatment
Regular follow-up visits are important because the cancer can rarely return

More than 300,000 survivors are living in the United States.

Complications

Disease-Related

Metastasis
Venous thromboembolism
Chronic fatigue

Treatment-Related

Infertility
Peripheral neuropathy
Hearing loss
Hypogonadism
Cardiovascular disease
Secondary malignancies

Sperm banking should be discussed before chemotherapy.

Prevention & Screening

There is no guaranteed prevention.

Self-Examination

Perform monthly
After a warm shower
Gently roll each testicle between fingers

Routine screening ultrasound is not recommended for average-risk men.

Latest Advances

Circulating microRNA (miR-371a-3p) as a promising biomarker
Reduced-toxicity chemotherapy protocols
Ongoing trials (e.g., TIGER trial) for salvage therapy optimisation
Researchers are also exploring how artificial intelligence can help doctors personalise treatment plans in the future

Testicular Cancer Treatment at Renova Hospitals

At Renova Hospitals, patients receive comprehensive care from early diagnosis through advanced treatment and follow-up. Our specialists provide detailed clinical evaluation, high-resolution ultrasound, tumour marker testing (AFP, β-hCG, LDH), and advanced imaging to stage the disease accurately.

Treatment options include radical inguinal orchiectomy, platinum-based chemotherapy (BEP/EP regimens), radiation therapy for seminoma, and specialised surgical procedures when required. Our team of urologists, oncologists, radiologists, and nurses works together to plan the best treatment for each patient and focuses on early detection. Renova Hospitals aims to deliver high cure rates, fertility guidance, and long-term follow-up care for optimal recovery.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended to help you better understand testicular cancer. Still, it should not replace your doctor's medical advice and is based on current clinical evidence and published oncology guidelines. It does not replace professional medical advice. If you experience symptoms such as a lump, swelling, or persistent discomfort in the testicle, consult a qualified healthcare provider promptly. Early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes.

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