TESTICULAR cancer is the most common solid cancer affecting young men, yet awareness of the disease remains relatively low.
Globally, around one in 250 males will develop testicular cancer, making it the most common solid cancer among men aged 15 to 35, with the average age of diagnosis at just 33.
Despite affecting men early in life, specialists say it is also one of the most curable cancers when detected early.
Dr Murali Sundram Mikaail Abdullah, Consultant Urologist and Robotic Surgeon at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City, noted that advances in treatment have transformed patient outcomes.
“Testicular cancer has a five-year survival rate of approximately 95% with early diagnosis and treatment. It is one of the most curable cancers,” he said.
Don’t ignore a painless lump
Unlike many other cancers, testicular cancer often develops without pain, making it easy to dismiss.
“The earliest sign is usually a painless swelling or lump in one testicle. It may be noticed by the patient himself or sometimes by his sexual partner,” Dr Murali continued.
Because the condition is often painless, many men delay seeking medical attention. Dr Murali advises that any painless lump or swelling should be assessed promptly by a doctor and referred to a urologist if necessary.
He also recommends regular testicular self-examinations, particularly for younger men, to improve the chances of early detection.
How it is diagnosed
If a lump is detected, an ultrasound scan is usually the first investigation.
“A simple ultrasound has about a 90% accuracy rate in diagnosing testicular cancer. If cancer is suspected, blood tests to measure tumour markers and CT scans of the abdomen and lungs are performed to determine whether the cancer has spread,” said Dr Murali.
When detected early, the disease is usually confined to the testicle (Stage I). More advanced stages indicate spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs such as the lungs or bones.
For patients diagnosed with Stage I disease, treatment is usually straightforward.
The affected testicle is removed through a procedure known as an orchidectomy, which typically requires only a one-day hospital stay.
According to Dr Murali, between 70% and 85% of patients are cured with surgery alone, although some may receive a single course of chemotherapy to further reduce the risk of recurrence.
Importantly, removing one testicle generally does not affect sexual function or fertility if the remaining testicle is healthy.
“Orchidectomy usually does not affect sexual function or fertility if the remaining testis has normal function,” he continued.
Patients are closely monitored for at least five years after treatment to detect any recurrence early.
For Stage II and Stage III disease, chemotherapy remains the mainstay of treatment.
“Chemotherapy is very effective for testicular cancers,” Dr Murali asserted, adding that even among patients with advanced disease, outcomes remain encouraging.
According to Dr Murali, around 70% of patients with advanced testicular cancer can still be cured with chemotherapy.
Robotic surgery offers faster recovery for selected patients
Some patients may develop enlarged lymph nodes after chemotherapy, requiring a procedure known as retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) to remove any remaining cancerous tissue.
While open surgery remains the gold standard for more complex cases, robotic-assisted surgery is now available in selected centres for carefully chosen patients.
“Because of the smaller incisions, recovery time is much shorter,” Dr Murali continued, adding that many patients are able to resume their normal daily activities within weeks.
According to Dr Murali, the key to beating testicular cancer is recognising its earliest warning sign.
“Testicular cancer commonly presents as a painless swelling of the testicle. Regular testicular self-examination allows the disease to be detected at an early stage, when treatment outcomes are excellent,” he added.
For young Malaysian men, taking a few moments each month to perform a simple self-examination and seeking medical advice if something feels unusual could make the difference between early treatment and a more serious diagnosis. ‒ July 13, 2026
Main image: Sunway Medical Centre
