Testicular Seminoma

Testicular cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in males aged 15 to 35, although it is still relatively rare. Seminoma is one of two main types of cancerous tumors that develop in germ cells in the testicles, which sit inside a sac of skin (scrotum) below the penis. These two walnut-shaped glands produce sperm and the male hormone testosterone.

Compared to other types of testicular cancer, seminoma tends to grow slowly and is unlikely to spread beyond the testicle where it originated.

Testicular seminoma causes

The precise causes of testicular seminoma are not yet fully understood. Scientists believe the cancer likely results from abnormalities in the development of germ cells in the testicles. If germ cells do not fully mature, they may begin to grow and divide uncontrollably. The excess cells can then amass and form a tumor.

Testicular seminoma risk factors

Although the specific causes of testicular seminoma remain unclear, researchers have identified several risk factors, including:

• An undescended testicle
• A family history of testicular cancer
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS)
• Precancerous cells, or carcinoma in situ (CIS), in a testicle
• Klinefelter syndrome
• Cancer in the other testicle

Testicular seminoma symptoms

The most common sign of testicular seminoma is a painless lump in a testicle. Other symptoms can include:

• Sudden swelling or fluid build-up in the scrotum
• A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• Pain in a testicle or the scrotum
• A dull ache in the groin
• A shrinking testicle (testicular atrophy)

Testicular seminoma diagnostic testing

If testicular seminoma is suspected based on the symptoms, a physician will typically perform several diagnostic tests, such as:

• A physical examination and medical history review - After discussing the symptoms, the physician will examine the testicles and nearby lymph nodes to check for lumps and other signs of testicular cancer.
• Ultrasound imaging - High-energy sound waves are used to create detailed images of soft tissues inside the body in the groin area.
• Inguinal orchiectomy and biopsy - If an ultrasound image reveals possible evidence of cancer, a physician may remove the affected testicle through an incision in the groin. The removed tissue will then be microscopically examined by a pathologist for the presence of cancerous cells.
• A serum tumor marker test - Blood testing may be used to measure the levels of certain substances in the blood, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG or beta-HCG) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), all of which are linked to testicular cancer.
• Other imaging tests - X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may be used to determine whether the cancer has spread.

Testicular seminoma treatment

When detected early, testicular seminoma can often be treated effectively with surgery, such as a radical inguinal orchiectomy. After making an incision in the groin, the surgeon will remove the affected testicle and then close off the nearby blood vessels and lymphatic tissues to help prevent any remaining cancer cells from spreading. Additionally, testicular seminoma usually responds well to radiation therapy and the chemotherapy drug carboplatin.

Benefit from world-class care at Moffitt Cancer Center

The multispecialty testicular cancer team in Moffitt’s Urologic Oncology Program develops a tailored treatment plan for each patient, taking into account individualized factors such as the stage and cell type of the tumor and the patient’s general health and preferences. Our cancer outcomes consistently exceed the national averages, and we help every patient achieve the best possible quality of life.

To learn more about testicular seminoma, you can request an appointment with a specialist in our Urologic Oncology Program by calling 1-888-663-3488  or submitting a new patient registration form online. We do not require referrals.