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Are there different types of testicular cancer?

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By Bets Davis, MFA

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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

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

Credits

Author Bets Davis, MFA
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology/Oncology
Last Updated January 26, 2009
Last Updated: 01/26/2009