Are there different types of testicular cancer?

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Are there different types of testicular cancer?

More than 95% of all testicular cancers are classified as germ-cell tumors.¹ Germ cells are primitive cells located primarily in the male and female gonads (testes and ovaries, respectively). In males, germ cells are responsible for producing sperm.

Germ-cell tumors of the testes generally appear as one of two types: seminomas and non-seminomas (also called NSGCTs). Both types of germ-cell cancers display similar symptoms and cure rates. However, they tend to differ somewhat in the way they spread, or metastasize, and in their response to various treatments. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis is very important to a successful treatment program.

Lymphomas and other non-germ cell tumors make up the other 5% of testicular cancers.¹ These uncommon types of testicular cancer have different characteristics than germ-cell tumors, particularly in their tendency to appear later in life.

References

Citations
Huyghe E, et al. (2003). Increasing incidence of testicular cancer worldwide: A review. Journal of Urology, 170(1): 5–11.

Credits

Author	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Editor	Alison Allen
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology/Oncology
Last Updated	February 5, 2007

Last updated:	February 05, 2007
Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology/Oncology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman

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