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Testicular cancer is a malignancy arising from germ cells or stromal cells within the testicles, most commonly affecting men aged 15-35 years. It represents one of the most curable solid organ malignancies when detected early, with cure rates exceeding 95% even in advanced stages.
The majority of testicular cancers (95%) originate from germ cells, developing into either seminomas or non-seminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCTs) including embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac tumor, choriocarcinoma, and teratoma. Risk factors include cryptorchidism, family history, and previous testicular cancer, with genetic predisposition involving chromosomal abnormalities and oncogene activation leading to uncontrolled cellular proliferation.
Diagnosis relies on physical examination revealing a painless testicular mass, scrotal ultrasound for confirmation, and serum tumor markers (AFP, β-hCG, LDH) for staging and monitoring. The differential diagnosis includes benign conditions like epididymitis, hydrocele, or torsion, making imaging and tumor markers crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate staging with CT imaging to determine treatment approach.
Key imaging focus: Absent blood flow (torsion), intratesticular mass, hydrocele, epididymal changes