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.
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 |
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