Testis Cancer
Types of Testicular Tumors
There are two types of tumors that arise from the testicle:
- Germ cell tumors
- Stromal tumors
Germ cell tumors are by far the most common type, accounting for >90% of all cases. These tumors arise from the portion of the testicle that is responsible for sperm production. Although the precise causes of the testicular cancer are unknown, these tumors like all cancers start with a change in the cellular DNA that leads to uncontrolled cellular growth.
Germ cell tumors are broadly classified into: Seminoma and Non-Seminoma Germ Cell Tumors (NSGCT). This distinction is important for the patient as it will guide the treatment algorithm.
Non-seminoma germ cell tumors (NSGCT) are further divided into several different types:
- Embryonal cell carcinoma
- Choriocarcinoma
- Yolk sac tumor
- Teratoma/Teratocarcinoma
Rather than finding a single type of pathology, most commonly, NSGCT are comprised of several different types. The proportions of each type of tumor are important in determining the aggressiveness of the cancer and the treatment plan.
Stromal cell tumors are relatively rare affecting <10% of all patients with testicular cancer. These tumors arise from the portion of the testicle that is responsible for hormonal production and are classified as Leydig cell or Sertoli cell tumors. Overall, these tumors are much less aggressive and rarely metastasize. As will be discussed in the symptoms section, these tumors often are associated with symptoms resulting from excessive hormone production.
