Cause

The exact causes of testicular cancer are unknown.

Most men who get testicular cancer don't have any risk factors. But there are some things that may increase your chances of getting testicular cancer. These risk factors include:

• An undescended testicle (cryptorchidism). This is a testicle that has not descended from the abdomen into the scrotum. Normally, the testes descend into the scrotum before the baby is born or during the first 3 months of infancy. A man is at a higher risk even if the testicle is moved down surgically.
• Klinefelter syndrome. This is a genetic disorder that affects males. Normally, males have one X and one Y chromosome. Males with Klinefelter syndrome have at least two X chromosomes and, in rare cases, as many as three or four.
• A personal or family history of testicular cancer.

Infertility from sperm problems has been linked to testicular cancer. Men with sperm problems have a higher rate of testicular cancer than men who do not. Experts don't yet know if the two problems share the same cause or if one causes the other.²

Symptoms

Common symptoms of testicular cancer include:

• A swelling and/or lump in one or both of the testes. Pain in the testes or scrotum may or may not be present.
• A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.
• A dull feeling of pain in the region of the lower abdominal area, groin, or lower back.

Sometimes these symptoms can be caused by other problems, such as a hydrocele or epididymitis.

Symptoms of advanced testicular cancer

Testicular cancer that has spread (metastasized) beyond the testicles and regional lymph nodes to other organs may cause other symptoms depending on the area of the body affected. Symptoms of late-stage testicular cancer may include:

• Dull pain in the lower back and abdomen.
• Lack of energy, sweating for no apparent reason, fever, or a general feeling of illness (malaise).
• Shortness of breath, coughing, or chest pain.
• Headache, confusion, or dementia.