Overview
Testicular teratoma is a type of testicular germ cell tumor that develops in the testicle (one of the two male reproductive glands located in the scrotum). Teratomas are unique tumors because they can contain many different types of tissue, including hair, teeth, bone, muscle, and other body tissues. This happens because the tumor arises from germ cells, which are the cells that normally develop into sperm but in this case grow abnormally and form various tissue types. Testicular teratoma can occur at any age but is most commonly found in young men and in infants or young children. In children, testicular teratomas are usually benign (not cancerous) and can often be cured with surgery alone. In adults, however, teratomas are considered potentially malignant (cancerous) because they can grow aggressively and spread to other parts of the body, including lymph nodes, lungs, and liver. Symptoms typically include a painless lump or swelling in the testicle, a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, or a dull ache in the lower belly or groin area. Some men may not notice any symptoms at all, and the tumor may be found during a routine physical exam. Treatment depends on the stage and type of teratoma. Surgery to remove the affected testicle (called radical orchiectomy) is the primary treatment. In adults with more advanced disease, additional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or further surgery to remove any remaining tumor may be needed. The outlook is generally very good, especially when the disease is caught early.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Painless lump or swelling in the testicleFeeling of heaviness in the scrotumDull ache or discomfort in the lower belly or groinOne testicle feeling larger or firmer than the otherSwelling or fluid buildup in the scrotumBack pain if the tumor has spreadShortness of breath if the tumor has spread to the lungsBreast tenderness or swelling due to hormone changesFatigueUnexplained weight loss in advanced cases
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
FDA & Trial Timeline
2 eventsLoma Linda University — NA
Tindamax: FDA approved
Treatment of intestinal amebiasis and amebic liver abcess caused by E. histolytica in both adults and pediatric patients older than three years of age. It is not indicated for the treatment of asymptomatic cyst passage.
Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.
Treatments
4 availableBlenoxane
management of Testicular Carcinoma, teratocarcinoma
SIRTURO
as part of combination therapy in the treatment of adult and pediatric patients (2 years and older and weighing at least 8 kg) with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis resist…
as part of combination therapy in the treatment of adult and pediatric patients (2 years and older and weighing at least 8 kg) with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistant to at least rifampin and isoniazid
Aurlumyn
treatment of severe frostbite in adults to reduce the risk of digit amputations
Lantidra
treatment of adults with Type 1 diabetes who are unable to approach target HbA1c because of current repeated episodes of severe hypoglycemia despite intensive diabetes management and education (exclus…
treatment of adults with Type 1 diabetes who are unable to approach target HbA1c because of current repeated episodes of severe hypoglycemia despite intensive diabetes management and education (exclusivity waived)
Rare Disease Specialist
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Financial Resources
1 resourcesTravel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Testicular teratoma.
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What stage is my testicular teratoma, and has it spread beyond the testicle?,Will I need any treatment beyond surgery, such as chemotherapy or additional surgery?,Should I bank sperm before starting treatment, and how might treatment affect my fertility?,What is my follow-up schedule, and what tests will I need over the coming years?,Will I need testosterone replacement therapy after surgery?,What are the signs of recurrence that I should watch for?,Are there any clinical trials or newer treatments available for my specific situation?
Common questions about Testicular teratoma
What is Testicular teratoma?
Testicular teratoma is a type of testicular germ cell tumor that develops in the testicle (one of the two male reproductive glands located in the scrotum). Teratomas are unique tumors because they can contain many different types of tissue, including hair, teeth, bone, muscle, and other body tissues. This happens because the tumor arises from germ cells, which are the cells that normally develop into sperm but in this case grow abnormally and form various tissue types. Testicular teratoma can occur at any age but is most commonly found in young men and in infants or young children. In childre
How is Testicular teratoma inherited?
Testicular teratoma follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
Are there clinical trials for Testicular teratoma?
Yes — 1 recruiting clinical trial is currently listed for Testicular teratoma on UniteRare. See the clinical trials section on this page for phase, sponsor, and site details sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.
Which specialists treat Testicular teratoma?
11 specialists and care centers treating Testicular teratoma are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.
What treatment and support options exist for Testicular teratoma?
1 patient support program are currently tracked on UniteRare for Testicular teratoma. See the treatments and support programs sections for copay assistance, eligibility, and contact details.