Testis Cancer
Risk Factors
No specific genetic cause has been identified in the etiology of testis cancer. There are, however, several risk factors associated with its occurrence:
- Cryptorchidism (undescended testes): This is a condition in which the testicles fail to descend into the scrotum in early infancy. Patients with a history of a cryptorchid testis have 3-10 times increased risk of developing testicular cancer later in life. Therefore, patients are encouraged to perform regular self exams beginning early in their teenage years.
- Positive family history: Although there is not as of yet a genetic test to determine the risk of testicular cancer, researchers have noted that patients with a family history of testicular cancer (father, brother) are at increased risk as compared to the general population.
- Previous diagnosis of testicular cancer: Approximately 2-3% of testicular tumors are bilateral. Therefore, patients with a previous diagnosis are at increased risk of developing testicular cancer in the remaining testicle and require close follow up.
- Testicular dysgenesis, Klinefelter's syndrome: These are rare diseases in which patients have found to have higher than normal rates of the development of testicular cancer.
As with women and breast cancer, the only method of prevention of the complications and mortality associated with testicular cancer is early diagnosis. All men starting at age 15 should perform regular self examinations.
