Highly Curable — But Don't Wait

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men between 15 and 35, and it is also among the most curable cancers in medicine — including when it has spread. Our board-certified urologists evaluate testicular masses promptly at our offices in The Woodlands, Tomball, and Kingwood.

What is testicular cancer?

Testicular cancer develops in the testicle, usually arising from germ cells, and is divided broadly into seminomas and non-seminomas, which behave differently and are treated differently. It is uncommon overall but is the leading cancer diagnosis in young men, with the highest incidence in the late twenties and thirties. Risk factors include an undescended testicle even if surgically corrected, family history, prior testicular cancer in the other testicle, and certain genetic conditions. Most cases occur in men with no risk factors at all. What sets this cancer apart is its response to treatment: cure rates are very high even for advanced disease, which makes prompt evaluation of any testicular lump enormously worthwhile.

How would I know if I had testicular cancer?

The most common sign is a painless lump or firm area within the testicle, often discovered incidentally by the man himself or a partner. Other signs include swelling or enlargement of a testicle, a change in firmness or consistency, a heavy or dragging sensation in the scrotum, a dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin, and fluid collecting in the scrotum. Pain is present in a minority of cases, so a painless lump is not reassuring. Less commonly, the first symptoms come from spread — back pain, shortness of breath, or breast tenderness and enlargement. Any new testicular lump, hard area, or change in size should be evaluated promptly rather than watched.

How is testicular cancer diagnosed?

Evaluation begins with a physical examination of both testicles, followed by scrotal ultrasound, which is highly accurate at distinguishing a solid mass from benign conditions such as a cyst, hydrocele, or varicocele. Blood tests for tumor markers including AFP, beta-hCG, and LDH support the diagnosis, help identify the tumor type, and are used to track response after treatment. Unlike most cancers, testicular tumors are not biopsied through the scrotum, because doing so risks spreading cancer cells — diagnosis is confirmed by removing the affected testicle through an incision in the groin, which is both diagnostic and the first step of treatment. CT imaging of the abdomen, pelvis, and chest determines whether the cancer has spread.

Here is what we can do

Treatment begins with surgical removal of the affected testicle, which establishes the diagnosis and type. What follows depends on the tumor type and stage — some men need nothing further beyond close monitoring, while others require chemotherapy, radiation, or additional surgery. Cure rates are high across the board, including for men whose cancer has spread at diagnosis. Because treatment can affect fertility, sperm banking should be discussed before any chemotherapy or radiation begins.

Found a lump?

Tell our scheduling team what you've found — it helps us get you evaluated promptly. If you can't reach us, an urgent care center or emergency room can arrange an ultrasound the same day.