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Although testicular cancer accounts for a small proportion of cancers overall, it can progress quickly if left unrecognized. In Canada, it is estimated that roughly 1,300 men will be diagnosed with testicular cancer each year. The key clinical priority is not to “wait and see” when a new change appears, but to confirm what is happening with the appropriate tests.
As a longstanding urology clinic in Montreal, we believe that clear, evidence-based information helps patients move from uncertainty to timely, informed care. This article addresses the questions we hear most often in practice: what testicular cancer feels like, what causes it, how it’s diagnosed, how it’s treated, and whether it can be cured.
Testicular cancer begins when abnormal cancer cells develop within one of the testicles and start to grow uncontrollably. In most cases, these abnormal cells originate from germ cells. Specialists sometimes describe an early precursor stage known as germ cell neoplasia before a tumour becomes clinically apparent.
Once testicular cancer tumors form, pathological analysis typically classifies it as either a seminoma or a non-seminomatous germ cell tumour. This distinction is important, as it influences treatment decisions and follow-up strategies. While the diagnosis can feel alarming, it is important to remember that testicular cancer is among the most treatable cancers when managed appropriately.
One of the challenges with testicular cancer is that it often causes little or no pain in its early stages. Symptoms of testicular cancer include a new firmness, swelling, or change in the texture of one testicle rather than sharp discomfort. When pain is present, it is more commonly described as a dull ache, a sense of pressure, or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, groin, or lower abdomen.
Because these changes can be subtle or intermittent, they are sometimes overlooked. A new or persistent change in one testicle, even if painless, should always be assessed with a physical examination and testicular ultrasound.
There is no single identifiable cause for why testicular cancer develops. It develops when cells acquire genetic changes that allow uncontrolled growth. Importantly, it is not caused by sexual activity, physical exertion, or minor trauma.
Clinically, we focus on known risk factors that increase likelihood rather than searching for a single trigger. These include a history of undescended testicles (even if surgically corrected), a family history of testicular cancer, and prior cancer in the opposite testicle. Many men diagnosed with testicular cancer have no clear risk factors, which is why awareness and prompt evaluation of symptoms are more valuable than risk prediction alone.
Yes. Like any cancer, testicular cancer can be life-threatening if it spreads and is not treated. It most commonly spreads to lymph nodes in the retroperitoneum and, less frequently, to other organs.
That said, testicular cancer is also one of the most curable cancers in modern oncology. With timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, survival rates are very high. The greatest risk to outcomes is delay, such as ignoring a painless lump, persistent swelling, or ongoing discomfort instead of seeking evaluation.
The most recognized sign of testicular cancer is a painless lump or firm area within one or both testicles. Other signs may include swelling, a change in size or consistency, a sensation of heaviness, or a dull ache in the groin or lower abdomen. Some men notice that one testicle feels heavier or sits differently than before.
Because benign conditions can produce similar symptoms, evaluation is essential. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, testicular ultrasound, blood tests for tumour markers, and, when indicated, imaging studies such as CT scans to assess lymph nodes.
In many cases, yes. When detected early, testicular cancer is often curable.
Treatment for testicular cancer is guided by tumour type, stage, and individual patient factors, and is managed within the field of clinical oncology with close urological involvement. Although testicular cancer is uncommon overall, outcomes are generally favourable when treatment is started promptly.
Testicular cancer treatment usually begins with surgical removal of the affected testicle (orchiectomy). Following surgery, blood tests are used to monitor tumor markers, including certain tumour markers that help assess response to treatment and detect early signs of recurrence. These markers play a central role in determining whether additional medical treatment is needed.
Depending on tumour type and stage, additional treatment plan stages may include active surveillance, chemotherapy, radiation therapy (most commonly for certain seminomas), or, in select cases, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection.
Some patients receive adjuvant therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence. Most men go on to long-term survival with excellent quality of life.
Any new lump, persistent swelling, sensation of heaviness, or unexplained dull ache in the testicle should be evaluated. Early testing is straightforward, and a combination of ultrasound, blood tests, and imaging usually provides clarity quickly.
If you are seeking a specialist assessment in Montreal, a confidential consultation at Uro Westmount allows us to evaluate your symptoms, review imaging and test results, and guide you through the next steps with clarity and care. Appointments can be requested through our contact page or by calling 514-370-3763. We recognize that seeking evaluation can feel stressful, and we approach these concerns with discretion and respect.
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