Focused, compassionate care for testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is relatively rare, but it’s the most common solid tumor cancer in young men between the ages of 15 and 34. It usually begins in one testicle and is highly treatable, especially when detected early.

At Endeavor Health, our multidisciplinary team provides advanced, personalized care tailored to your diagnosis, lifestyle and goals. We offer the latest in surgical options, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and active surveillance — with a strong focus on fertility preservation and long-term wellness.

Understanding testicular cancer

Testicular cancer starts in the cells of the testicles. Some extra-gonadal germ cell tumors can start from similar cells that originate in the abdomen or chest or rarely in other locations. Most tumors are either seminomas or non-seminomas, and both types respond well to treatment. The exact cause of testicular cancer is often unknown, but some patients have risk factors such as:

  • A history of undescended testicle
  • Family or personal history of testicular cancer
  • HIV infection
  • Certain genetic conditions
Common symptoms of testicular cancer

Symptoms of testicular cancer may include:

  • A lump or swelling in one testicle (often painless)
  • A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
  • Dull ache in the groin or lower abdomen
  • Breast tenderness or growth
  • Back pain or fatigue (if cancer has spread)

If you notice any of these symptoms, especially a new lump, contact your doctor. Early treatment improves outcomes.

Testicular cancer screening and diagnosis

There is no formal screening program for testicular cancer. Many cases are found during a self-exam or routine physical.

Diagnostic tools may include:

Your doctor may detect a lump or swelling during a scrotal exam.

High-frequency sound waves produce images of the testicle to help confirm the presence of a tumor.

Tumor markers such as AFP, hCG and LDH are used to help diagnose and stage the cancer.

Used to assess if cancer has spread to lymph nodes or lungs.

Not typically performed before surgery — the testicle is removed and examined to confirm diagnosis.

Testicular cancer treatment and therapies

Treatment depends on the stage, tumor type and your personal goals — including fertility preservation.

Surgery is often the most common first step and involves removal of the affected testicle (radical inguinal orchiectomy). Lymph node dissection may be performed if cancer has spread.

Our experts use chemotherapy used to treat cancer that has spread beyond the testicle or to reduce recurrence risk. Often combined with surgery or used after relapse.

Radiation therapy is most effective for seminoma-type tumors. This treatment targets remaining cancer cells after surgery or in specific cases.

After surgery, some patients may not need further treatment. Regular blood tests and imaging help monitor for recurrence.

Before treatment, we offer sperm banking and counseling for patients who may want to start a family in the future.

Why Endeavor Health?

At Endeavor Health, we combine clinical expertise, compassionate care and long-term support to help you navigate testicular cancer with confidence.

Your case is reviewed by a team of urologists, oncologists, radiologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists and fertility specialists who work together to customize your treatment plan.

We offer nerve-sparing techniques, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection and laparoscopic procedures when appropriate.

We prioritize fertility conversations early — including sperm banking, family planning and survivorship support.

We participate in national studies exploring new ways to treat testicular cancer and minimize long-term side effects.

Care team

Our testicular cancer team includes fellowship-trained urologists, medical and radiation oncologists, fertility specialists, nurse navigators, genetic counselors and support staff. Together, we work to deliver compassionate, age-appropriate care tailored to your unique needs.

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Testicular cancer FAQs

Yes — especially when diagnosed early. Even when cancer spreads, cure rates are very high with surgery and chemotherapy.

We offer sperm banking before treatment and counseling throughout your care to help preserve fertility.

Not always. Your care team will recommend treatment based on your tumor type and stage. Many early-stage cancers can be treated with surgery alone.

Yes. Regular self-exams help you detect changes early. If you feel a lump or unusual change, contact your doctor.

If you’re on active surveillance, you may have regular checkups every few months. Your team will set a schedule based on your diagnosis.

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Clinical trials

We offer access to clinical trials for testicular cancer — including studies on chemotherapy regimens, long-term outcomes and fertility preservation. Ask your care team if a trial is right for you.

Learn more about clinical trials

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Whether you’ve found a lump or already have a diagnosis, our team is here to help you understand your options and plan your next steps.

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Your care journey is our mission

The Endeavor Health Cancer Institute provides expert, personalized care for testicular cancer — using advanced diagnostics, surgical expertise and fertility support to help you feel confident at every step.

About the institute