Types of testicular cancer:
There are various types of testicular cancer, and the type depends on the cells where the cancer began. Knowing the specific type of cancer helps your doctor determine the appropriate treatment. Most testicular cancers fall into a category known as germ cell tumors. The two primary types of these germ cell tumors are:
– Seminomas
– Non-seminomas
Additionally, there are a few rarer forms of testicular cancer.
Germ Call tumors:
Most testicular cancers begin in cells called germ cells, which are responsible for producing sperm in men. These cancers are known as germ cell tumors.
Germ cell tumors in the testicles can originate from a condition called germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS). GCNIS involves the presence of abnormal cells in the testicle, which are confined to the small tubes (seminiferous tubules) and have not spread to other parts of the testicle. Although these cells look abnormal under a microscope, GCNIS itself is not cancer and doesn’t cause symptoms.
GCNIS can potentially develop into invasive cancer. Approximately 50% of men with GCNIS may develop cancer within five years, as the abnormal cells start to spread beyond the tubules into other areas of the testicles. Once invasive, the cancer can spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body. However, GCNIS does not always progress to invasive cancer.
There are two main types of testicular germ cell tumors:
- Tumors originating from GCNIS: These are the most common and typically develop after puberty.
- Tumors not originating from GCNIS: These are less common and usually occur in either younger children or older men.
Testicular cancers that develop from abnormal cells:
These testicular tumors typically form after puberty and are often referred to as postpubertal tumors. The primary types of testicular germ cell tumors that arise from GCNIS include:
– Seminomas
– Non-seminomas
Some germ cell tumors have both seminoma and non-seminoma cells, and these are known as mixed germ cell tumors.
Seminoma Tumors:
Approximately 55% to 60% of all testicular cancers are purely seminomas.
Non seminoma tumors:
Most other testicular germ cell tumors are non-seminomas, which originate from various cell types. Some non-seminomas come from just one cell type, while others arise from a combination of different cells.
Types of non-seminoma tumors include:
– Teratoma (post-pubertal type)
– Embryonal carcinoma
– Choriocarcinoma
– Yolk sac tumors (post-pubertal type)
For example, you might have a combination of teratoma cells and embryonal carcinoma cells. It’s also possible to have pure teratomas. Regardless of the specific types, these non-seminomas are treated using similar approaches.
Mixed germ cell tumors:
Some testicular tumors contain a mix of both seminoma and non-seminoma cells. In such cases, doctors generally treat them similarly to non-seminomas.
Testicular cancers that don’t develop from abnormal cells:
Some testicular tumors don’t originate from GCNIS. The main types include:
– Teratomas and yolk sac tumors that typically develop in young children (prepubertal type).
– Spermatocytic tumors, which usually occur in older men.
Prepubertal type:
These testicular tumors typically develop in young children before they reach puberty. They are generally less aggressive than tumors that appear after puberty and are less likely to spread or recur after treatment.
Spermatocytic tumors:
Previously known as Spermatocytic seminomas, these tumors are typically diagnosed in older men. They are less aggressive and act differently than seminomas and non-seminomas, rarely spreading beyond the testicle. Consequently, they often require less intensive treatment.
Rare types of testicular cancer:
These forms of testicular cancer are extremely uncommon, with only a few cases diagnosed annually in India.