What Causes Testicular Cancer?

Cancer of the testicles involves malignant (cancerous) cells in a male's sex glands in the scrotum that are responsible for producing sperm and the sex hormone testosterone. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), around 8,000 men get diagnosed with testicular cancer annually; almost 400 males (390) die annually from this disease. The NCI states also that the disease occurs most frequently in men from 20 to 39 years of age. Additionally, it is the most common type of malignancy that manifests in men between 15 to 34 years of age.

Genetics

The cells that become cancerous in the testes are germ cells, that is, the cells which produce and release immature sperm. According to the American Cancer Society, research continues to investigate chromosomal and DNA changes that may program normal germ cells to malfunction and become malignant.

Congenital Abnormalities

Male infants who are born with deformities or abnormalities of the testicles, penis or kidneys, or inguinal hernias have been found to be at higher risk for developing testicular cancer.

Additionally, males with cryptorchidism (an undescended testicle that did not move into the location of the scrotum before birth) are also at increased risk for this disease. Even if only one testicle did not descend from the abdomen to the scrotum prior to birth, the increased hazard of developing this type of cancer applies to both of the testicles.

History

A personal history or family history of testicular cancer also is a contributing factor for this type of cancer. In addition, a personal history of HIV increases a man's risk.

Exposure

A study by Hardell and colleagues, published in the International Journal of Cancer (2004), shows that occupational exposure to certain plastic chemicals, such as polyvinyl chloride plastics, also can increase a man's risk of developing testicular cancer.