With timely diagnosis, testicular cancer is most likely treatable and most often curable. It is the most common cancer in men 15 to 34 years old. Still, it is fairly rare. About 8,850 men will be diagnosed with testicular cancer in the U.S. this year. The risk of death from testicular cancer is small. About 410 men will die of testicular cancer in the U.S. this year.
The testicles (also known as testes or testis) are part of the male reproductive system. These 2 golf ball size glands are held in a sac (scrotum) below the penis. The testicles have a firm, slightly spongy feel. At the top and outside edge is a rubbery, tube-like structure called the epididymis. The firmness of the testicle should be the same throughout. The size of the testicles should also be about the same.
The testicles are where sperm mature before being delivered to the vas deferens and ejaculated. The testicles also make male hormones such as testosterone. This hormone controls the sex drive in men. It also triggers the development of male traits.
