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