Testicular cancer is a rare but potentially serious problem that may develop in one or both of a man's testicles. Fortunately, testicular cancer is highly treatable and curable. According to the American Cancer Society, about 90 percent of testicular cancers form from germ cell tumors. Other, more rare, tumors originate from stromal cells. Understanding the origins and different types of testicular cancer is important for determining proper treatment of this condition.
Seminomas
Seminomas originate from the sperm-producing germ cells of the testicles. Two basic types of seminomas exist: classical (typical) seminomas and spermatocytic seminomas. Biospy will determine which one of these exact types of cancers is present. The American Cancer Society explains that 95 percent of seminomas are classical seminomas. Classical seminomas typically occur in men aged 30 to 50. Spermatocytic seminomas are more rare and most likely to occur in men around the age of 55. These seminomas tend to grow more slowly than classical seminomas and are less likely to spread to other organs and tissues.
Non-Seminomatous Testicular Cancer
Non-seminomatous germ cell tumors occur in men in their teens to early 40s. The Testicular Cancer Resource Center (TCRC) describes four different types of non-seminomatous testicular cancers: embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac carcinoma, choriocarcinoma and teratoma. Embryonal carcinomas resemble tissue of the embryo. They are very rare, making up only about 4 percent of testicular cancers, but grow very rapidly and can be aggressive. Yolk sac tumors have the appearance of the embryonal yolk sac. This is the most common form of testicular cancer in children. Choriocarcinomas are very rare but highly aggressive and dangerous. This type of non-seminoma tumor is likely to spread to other organs, including the lungs and brain. Teratomas are germ cell tumors that look like the three layers of a developing embryo when examined under a microscope.
Leydig Cell Testicular Cancer
Leydig cell testicular cancer, a type of stromal cell testicular cancer, usually is benign. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) explain that Leydig tumors originate in the Leydig cells of the testicle that normally produce male sex hormones. Leydig cell tumors may interfere with male hormone production and can produce estrogen. Thee tumors usually do not spread to other organs and are removed by surgery. In rare cases, Leydig tumors do metastasize and have a poor prognosis, as they do not respond to chemotherapy or radiation.
Sertoli Cell Tumors
Sertoli cells are stromal cells that support and nourish the sperm producing cells of the testicles. According to the American Cancer Society, these tumors are usually benign but can metastasize. Like Leydig cell tumors, Sertoli cell tumors are resistant to chemotherapy and radiation.
