Men between the ages of 20 and 40 are most affected. Testicular cancer rarely develops before puberty or in old age. Also, white men and men whose testicles did not descend by 3 years of age seem to be at greater risk. Injury to the testicles does not cause testicular cancer. Normal, healthy cells in the body divide continuously.
Cancer occurs when cells begin to divide out of control, which often causes a noticeable lump.
Testicular cancer commonly takes the form of a small, firm lump, usually painless, on one of the testicles. Even when touched the tumor is generally not tender, although there can occasionally be pain in the lower abdomen or testicle. Blood vessels inside the tumor can rupture, causing it to enlarge rapidly and bringing about severe pain. Because testicular cancer can spread and affect other areas of the body, it is important that it be detected and treated early. A man knows his body better than anyone and is the most likely to detect any changes that might be the start of cancer.