Types of Testicular Cancer - OmniMedicalSearch.com

Conditions & Diseases: Cancer

Testicular Cancer

Types

The testicles contain several types of cells, and each type of cell can develop into different types of cancer. The most common type of testicular cancer (that represents more than 95 percent of all testicle cancers cases) is germ cell tumor or germinal tumor. This type of cancer develops within the germ cells. The germ cells are reproductive body cells which produce sperm in men. Sperm production begins with puberty. The germ cells within the testes produce immature sperm which travel through a network a tubes (called collecting tubes) into the epididymis (the tube within the testicles where collecting tubes join together), where it matures and is stored.

There are two main types of germ cell tumors:

I. Seminomas, represents about 40 percent of all germinal tumors, and it develops in men between the age of 30 and 40. In most cases, the cancer is confined to the testes, but in 25 percent of patients the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes. One of the main characteristics of this type of tumor is that the germ cells become malignant in an early stage of development. Seminomas are more responsive to treatment than the non-seminomas.

II. Non-seminomas, represents about 60 percent of the all germinal tumors, and it develops in men who are in their mid-30s. This type of cancer tends to develop early, grows fast, and spreads quickly. There are four types of non-seminomas:

Embryonal carcinomas - This type of tumor represents 25 percent of the non-seminomas, and it develops in men between the age of 20 and 30. Embryonla carcinomas are highly malignant and aggressive tumors, which grow rapidly and tend to spread to the lungs and liver.

Teratoma carcinomas - This type of tumors represents 20 to 30 percent of all non-seminomas tumors and it affects young boys more then adult men.

Yolk-sac tumors is a rare type of testicular cancer that can affect adult men but more commonly occurs in young boys.

Choriocarcinomas is a rare type of testicular cancer.

There is another type of testicular cancer, called stromal cell tumor, which represents only 3 to 4 percent of all testicular cancers and 20 percent of childhood testicular tumors. This type pf cancer develops within the testicles supportive tissues (called stroma).

The stromal cell tumors are a type of tumor made up of Leydig cells (testis cells that produce testosterone), Sertoli cells (the cells where sperm matures), and granulose cells. Sometimes, these tumors secret a hormone called estradiol, which can cause an excessive development of breast tissue - gynecomastia (a testicular cancer symptom).

Article by Alina Morrow, MS
Medical Writer
OmniMedicalSearch.com

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Page Last Modified:
10/18/2010