What is testicular cancer?

Testicular cancer starts in the cells of a testicle. The testicles are part of a man’s reproductive system. These 2 egg-shaped organs hang below the penis in a pouch of loose skin called the scrotum. The testicles are held in the scrotum by the spermatic cord. The spermatic cord contains the vas deferens, some lymph nodes, veins and nerves.

Testicles make male sex hormones (mostly testosterone) and sperm. Sperm cells are a type of reproductive cell (germ cell).

Most testicular cancers start in the germ cells and are called germ cell tumours. The 2 main types of germ cell tumours are seminomas and non-seminomas. Each type grows differently and is treated differently. Both types can be treated successfully.

Printed: 12 august 2013

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