Testicular & Scrotal Conditions & Male Infertility
Testicular Cancer
A highly treatable cancer of the testicles, most common in men aged 15–49. Usually appearing as a painless lump, it has a cure rate of over 95% in the UK when caught early.
Key Takeaways
- A highly treatable cancer of the testicles, most common in men aged 15–49. Usually appearing as a painless lump, it has a cure rate of over 95% in the UK when caught early.
- We offer specialist diagnostics and treatments. Book a consultation to discuss your options.
Clinical Overview
Understanding Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer starts in the "germ cells"—the cells in your testicles that produce sperm. While it is a relatively rare cancer overall, it is the most common cancer diagnosed in UK men between the ages of 15 and 49. There are two main types you should know about: Seminomas, which usually grow more slowly, and Non-Seminomas, which can grow and spread more quickly.
The outlook for testicular cancer is excellent. In the UK, it is considered one of the most curable forms of cancer, with a 5-year survival rate exceeding 95%. Even if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, it usually responds very well to chemotherapy and surgery.
If a lump is found, your GP will follow a specific diagnostic pathway. This typically involves a physical examination, followed by a scrotal ultrasound and blood tests to check for "tumour markers" (AFP, hCG, and LDH). Most treatment begins with a procedure called an orchidectomy to remove the affected testicle. This allows doctors to confirm the exact type of cancer and plan the best next steps for your recovery.
What to Look For
Symptoms, Causes & Risk Factors
01
Common Symptoms
A painless lump or swelling in either testicle (often the first sign).
A change in how the testicle feels, such as new firmness or a "heavy" sensation in the scrotum.
A dull ache in your lower tummy (abdomen) or groin.
A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum (known as a hydrocoele).
General pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum.
Breast tenderness or enlargement (gynaecomastia) caused by hormone shifts.
Persistent back pain (this can happen if the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes).
02
When to Seek Help
Any new lump or hardness: Even if it doesn't hurt, you should see your GP.
A change in size: If one testicle becomes significantly larger or smaller than the other.
A "heavy" feeling: A persistent ache or feeling of weight in the scrotum.
Unexplained swelling: Any swelling that doesn't go away within a few days.
Back pain: New, ongoing back pain combined with a change in your testicles.
03
Potential Causes
Germ cell development: Abnormalities in how sperm-producing cells develop before birth.
DNA changes: Acquired mutations in the testicular tissue that cause cells to grow uncontrollably.
Hormonal factors: Shifts in hormones that affect how cells mature.
04
Risk Factors
Undescended Testicle (Cryptorchidism): This is the most significant risk factor, even if it was corrected with surgery as a child.
Family History: You are at a higher risk if your father or brother has had the disease.
Age: Roughly 80% of cases occur in men between 15 and 49.
Ethnicity: In the UK, testicular cancer is more common in White men than in Black or Asian men.
Previous Diagnosis: If you have had cancer in one testicle, you have a higher risk of developing it in the other.
Importance of Diagnosis
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Because testicular cancer often affects men in their prime, catching it early is the best way to protect your long-term health and fertility. When found at "Stage I" (meaning it is only in the testicle), the cure rate is nearly 100%. Early diagnosis also means you may be able to avoid more intensive treatments like chemotherapy.
If diagnosis is delayed, the cancer can spread to the lymph nodes at the back of the tummy or to the lungs. While it is still very treatable at these stages, the treatment is more aggressive. This is why "knowing your normal" through regular self-checks is so important—it's the most effective way to spot changes early.
Importance of Diagnosis
Diagnostic Options & Investigations
To accurately identify the cause of your symptoms, our specialists use a range of targeted investigations. Explore the diagnostic tests below to understand how we confirm a diagnosis and plan your recovery.
Living With Condition
Living With Testicular Cancer
- Radical Orchidectomy
- Surveillance
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- RPLND
The removed testis shall undergo a detailed histological assessment and this shall be discussed with all your pre-operative imaging and blood tumour markers at a testis Multi Disciplinary Team meeting (MDT). Thereafter you shall be invited to have a meeting with a testis cancer specialist (oncologist) to discuss if any further management other than surveillance is necessary.
Protecting your future family is a priority. In the UK, you will be offered the chance to store your sperm (sperm banking) before starting any treatment that might affect your fertility. For most men, the remaining testicle is more than enough to produce the testosterone and sperm needed for a healthy sex life and to father children naturally.
To help with body image, you can choose to have a testicular prosthesis (a silicone implant) fitted. This can be done during your first surgery or at a later date. It helps restore a natural look and feel, which many men find helpful for their confidence and mental well-being during recovery.
Short-Term Complications
03- Mental health: Feelings of anxiety or distress following a diagnosis.
- Surgical recovery: Temporary bruising, swelling, or risk of infection after an orchidectomy.
- Hormone shifts: Temporary changes in hormone levels as the body adjusts.
Long-Term Complications
04- Fertility: Potential for reduced fertility (sperm banking is usually offered before treatment).
- Testosterone levels: Some men may develop low testosterone (hypogonadism) and require replacement therapy.
- Secondary health risks: A slightly increased risk of heart disease or other cancers depending on the type of chemotherapy used.
- Self-confidence: Concerns about body image after losing a testicle.
Treatment Options
Treatment Options & Care Pathways
Explore the specialist interventions available for Testicular Cancer. We offer a range of evidence-based treatments designed to address your specific symptoms, focusing on long-term recovery and your personal health goals.
Specialists
Our specialists for Testicular Cancer
Leading experts for this condition. View profiles to see clinical backgrounds and current availability.
Our Commitment
Care you can trust
Every step of your care is delivered to the same standard: senior consultants, a personalised plan, and the safety of an accredited private hospital behind you.
Consultant-Led Excellence
Receive evidence-based care delivered by senior NHS consultants in a professional, specialist setting.
Personalised Care Plans
Your consultant will design a bespoke plan tailored to your condition, health goals and lifestyle.
Hospital-Grade Safety
We operate within leading private hospitals, adhering to strict CQC safety and technology standards.
A Heritage of Trust
Our partners bring decades of NHS and private experience, successfully managing thousands of patient cases.
Patient Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about specialist referrals and consultations.
3 questions
No. Not all lumps are cancerous. Many scrotal abnormalities are benign, such as epididymal cysts (fluid-filled sacs), hydrocoeles, or varicocoeles (enlarged veins). However, you cannot tell the difference by feel alone. Any new lump must be investigated with an urgent ultrasound—usually within 2 weeks—to rule out malignancy.
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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In most cases, the remaining healthy testicle takes over the job of the other, producing enough testosterone and sperm for a normal sex life and natural conception. However, we always offer 'sperm banking' before any further treatment like chemotherapy, just in case. Sexual drive and erectile function are typically unaffected once you have recovered from the surgery.
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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A prosthesis is a silicone-filled implant designed to mimic the size and feel of a natural testicle. It can be inserted into the scrotum during your orchidectomy so you wake up with a normal appearance. Whether or not to have one is a purely personal choice; some men feel it helps their body image, while others prefer not to have an implant. You can also choose to have one fitted months or years later.
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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