Testicular tumors
Disease Information
In-Depth
What causes testicular tumors?
The cause of testicular tumors is unknown. What is known is that most of them originate in the germ cells, the cells in the embryo that become the cells that make up the male or female reproductive system.
Certain inherited defects — including some central nervous system defects, genitourinary tract malformations and major malformations of the lower spine — have been associated with an increased risk for germ cell tumors. Specifically, boys with undescended testicles have an increased risk of developing testicular germ cell tumors.
What are the symptoms of a testicular tumor?
- swelling
- hardness
- abnormal shape, or irregularity in, testicular size
- testicular pain (although some tumors are painless)
The symptoms of testicular tumors may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Your son's physicians will do various tests to rule out these other causes.
