It strikes about 5,000 males a year. Often, only one testicle is affected. The cause of testicular cancer is not known. Risk factors, though, have been given. In the early stages, testicular cancer may have no symptoms.
Testicular cancer is almost always curable if it is found and treated early.
Surgery is done to remove the testicle. The American Academy of Family Physicians Subcommittee for Male Patients recommends the teaching of testicular self-examination between the ages of 13 and 18. The testicles are located behind the penis and contained within the scrotum. They should be about the same size and feel smooth, rubbery, and egg-shaped. The left one sometimes hangs lower than the right.