Around 2000 men a year are diagnosed with testicular cancer in the UK. It is not known exactly what the causes are, but research is going on all the time to attempt to establish them.
Testicular cancer is more common in men who have a testicle that has failed to descend. In the unborn child the testicles develop inside the abdomen between the kidneys and descend into the scrotum at birth or during the first year of life. If this does not happen, the risk of a man developing testicular cancer is increased.
Testicular cancer is more common in white men than African-Caribbean or Asian men. It occurs more commonly in wealthier social groups. The reasons for this are not known.
It is not clear whether injury to the testicle can cause a testicular cancer. Vasectomy does not increase the risk of a man developing testicular cancer.
There are two main types of testicular cancer – seminomas and teratomas. They may be called germ cell tumours. Occasionally testicular tumours can be a mix of both types.
Other rare types of testicular tumour are Leydig and Sertoli cell tumours
Worried about your nuts? - Check out our ‘How’s Your Tackle’ page for a guide to examining your testicles
The above is taken from www.cancerbackup.org.uk please visit them for more information
