The testes are part of the male reproductive system. They are important for reproduction and for the production of hormones (especially testosterone). Testicular cancer can affect older men, but it can also strike in children. Testicular cancer arises when cells in the testes begin to divide abnormally quickly.
Local Symptoms
In children, the most common early symptoms of testicular cancer relate to the genital area. These symptoms include lumps or masses in the scrotum (typically affecting just one testicle, as testicular cancer rarely affects both testicles in children). Some children also experience a feeling of heaviness in their scrotum, as well as an aching pain in the groin or in the abdomen. Some children also develop a sudden increase in the size of their scrotum as a result of fluid influx. These symptoms aren't necessarily specific to testicular tumors, however, so doctors must first rule out other potential causes of these problems. These include the testicles becoming twisted around each other (a condition known as testicular torsion), an inguinal hernia, as well as inflammatory problems involve the genitals.
Hormonal Symptoms
Because the testicles are involved in the production and secretion of important hormones, some symptoms of testicular cancer in children are caused by abnormal hormonal levels. Some kinds of testicular cancer secrete a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin, which can cause swelling of the breasts. Another kind of testicular cancer can cause increased estrogen levels, which can also cause breast growth. Finally, according to the American Cancer Society, testicular cancers in children can secrete hormones called androgens that can cause boys to grow hair on their face and body earlier than usual.
Advanced Symptoms
As testicular cancer advances, it can spread to other tissues in a child's body, causing additional symptoms. Sometimes testicular cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, where it can cause painful swelling that may manifest itself as back pain (as the cancer typically spreads first to the abdomen). Other symptoms of testicular cancer spread include difficulty breathing and a chronic cough that may produce blood. This is the result of the cancer spreading to the lungs.
