Testicular cancer types

After surgeons have removed the testicle, the tissue is examined under a microscope. This will help doctors find out the type of testicular cancer you may have.

Most testicular cancers develop from germ cells in the testicles. They are also called germ cell tumours (GCTs). Germ cells in the testicles produce sperm. 

There are 2 main types of testicular germ cell cancer:

• seminomas
• non-seminomas.

Sometimes, testicular cancers are a combination of non-seminomas and seminomas. This is also called a mixed germ cell tumour cancer. Testicular cancer is the general term used for all types of testicular cancer.

Seminomas can happen between the ages of 15 and 50. But the average age at diagnosis is 35. About 40 to 45 in 100 (40 to 45%) testicular cancers are seminoma.

Non-seminomas usually occur between the ages of 15 and 35. About 40 to 45 in 100 (40 to 45%) testicular cancers are non-seminoma.

Non-seminomas are made of different types of cells. They can be made of just one cell type, or they may be made of a mixture. They include:

• teratomas
• embryonal tumours
• yolk sac tumours
• choriocarcinomas. 

We have more information about testicular cancer treatment.

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