Overview
Tumor of the testis and paratestis refers to a group of growths that develop in or around the testicle. The testicles are the male reproductive organs located in the scrotum, and the paratesticular area includes the structures surrounding the testicle, such as the epididymis, spermatic cord, and tunica (the covering layers). These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The most common testicular tumors are germ cell tumors, which arise from the cells that produce sperm, and these include seminomas and non-seminomas. Paratesticular tumors are rarer and can include lipomas, adenomatoid tumors, rhabdomyosarcomas, and other types. The most noticeable symptom is usually a painless lump or swelling in one testicle. Some patients may experience a dull ache or heaviness in the scrotum or lower abdomen. In advanced cases, symptoms may include back pain, shortness of breath, or swollen lymph nodes if the cancer has spread. The treatment landscape for testicular and paratesticular tumors has improved significantly over the decades. Surgery to remove the affected testicle (called radical orchiectomy) is typically the first step. Depending on the type and stage of the tumor, additional treatments may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surveillance (active monitoring). Testicular cancer in particular is one of the most curable cancers, with very high survival rates even in advanced stages when treated appropriately. Paratesticular tumors vary more widely in their behavior and treatment depending on the specific tumor type.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Painless lump or swelling in one testicleFeeling of heaviness in the scrotumDull ache in the lower abdomen or groinSudden buildup of fluid in the scrotumPain or discomfort in the testicle or scrotumEnlargement or tenderness of the breast tissueBack painSwollen lymph nodes in the neck or abdomenShortness of breath or cough if cancer has spread to the lungsFatigueUnexplained weight lossOne testicle feeling firmer or harder than the other
Multifactorial
Caused by a mix of several genes and environmental factors
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
FDA & Trial Timeline
10 eventsIndiana University — PHASE3
Ali Mohamed Alaa El-din
IRCCS San Raffaele — NA
Heinrich-Heine University, Duesseldorf — PHASE2
Children's Oncology Group
Centre Leon Berard — PHASE2
Swiss Cancer Institute — PHASE2
University Medical Center Groningen — NA
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — PHASE2
Massachusetts General Hospital — NA
Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Tumor of testis and paratestis.
8 clinical trialsare actively recruiting — trials can provide access to cutting-edge therapies.
View clinical trials →Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Tumor of testis and paratestis.
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
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Tumor of testis and paratestis.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with Tumor of testis and paratestis.
Start the conversation →Latest news about Tumor of testis and paratestis
No recent news articles for Tumor of testis and paratestis.
Follow this condition to be notified when news becomes available.
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
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 specific type of testicular or paratesticular tumor do I have, and what stage is it?,What are my treatment options, and what do you recommend for my specific situation?,Should I bank sperm before starting treatment, and how do I arrange this?,What are the short-term and long-term side effects of the recommended treatment?,How often will I need follow-up visits and scans after treatment, and for how long?,Will I need testosterone replacement therapy after surgery?,Are there any clinical trials available that might be appropriate for me?
Common questions about Tumor of testis and paratestis
What is Tumor of testis and paratestis?
Tumor of the testis and paratestis refers to a group of growths that develop in or around the testicle. The testicles are the male reproductive organs located in the scrotum, and the paratesticular area includes the structures surrounding the testicle, such as the epididymis, spermatic cord, and tunica (the covering layers). These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The most common testicular tumors are germ cell tumors, which arise from the cells that produce sperm, and these include seminomas and non-seminomas. Paratesticular tumors are rarer and can include lipoma
How is Tumor of testis and paratestis inherited?
Tumor of testis and paratestis follows a multifactorial inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
Are there clinical trials for Tumor of testis and paratestis?
Yes — 8 recruiting clinical trials are currently listed for Tumor of testis and paratestis on UniteRare. See the clinical trials section on this page for phase, sponsor, and site details sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.