Causes of Testicular Cancer

It is not possible to exactly ascertain the causes of testicular cancer however there are certain risk factors known to be warning signs for testicular cancer:

Undescended Testicle or Cryptorchidism: In normal circumstances, before the baby boy is born, the testicles descend into the scrotum. However in some cases the testicles may have not descended by the time the baby is born and this poses a higher risk of the boy developing testicular cancer in future. This risk is applicable to both the testicles even if one has descended and hence in such cases surgery to move the testicle into the scrotum is recommended.
Inguinal Hernia: Males who are born with a preexisting condition of a hernia in the groin area are known to be at a higher risk of developing testicular cancer in future.
Congenital abnormalities: Men are at a higher risk of developing testicular cancer if they are born with certain abnormalities of the testicles, penis or the kidneys.
Family History: If someone in the family has had testicular cancer, the chances of developing testicular cancer are high.
Similarly if a man has had testicular cancer in one testicle then he may also be at a higher risk of developing testicular cancer in the other testicle in future.
HIV Infection: Men who are infected with HIV are known to be at a higher risk of developing testicular cancer as the immune system of the person is weakened.
Age: The age of the person also plays an important role in acting as a risk factor for testicular cancer. It has been observed that most cases of testicular cancer have been found in men between the age of the early twenties and late fifties.
Ethnicity and Race: Testicular cancer is known to be more prevalent in white men and Hispanics as compared to Asian – Americans or non- Hispanic men
Studies have also shown that the body size of the male also acts as a risk factor for testicular cancer with the incidence of testicular cancer being higher in tall men.

Testicular Cancer

Signs & Symptoms