Health encyclopaedia

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Causes of Cancer of the testicle

The causes of testicular cancer are not fully understood. The main risk factor appears to be having had an undescended testicle, where the testicle fails to reach its proper position within the scrotum naturally. All testicles are formed in the abdomen and usually descend (drop) into the scrotum at birth or in the first year of life. Some young boys have an operation to help their testicles descend if they do not come down naturally.

Testicular cancer is seen more commonly in men with white skin than men with black skin, and also in those from more affluent backgrounds. The reason for this is not known.

A particular gene has been found to be present in many men with testicular cancer and may account for its running in families, just as breast cancer runs in families. Men who have a brother or father with testicular cancer have a higher risk of developing it (although the risk is still small).

Hot baths, sporting injuries, riding a bike, and having a vasectomy do not cause testicular cancer.

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