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Types of Testicular Cancer
In most cases, testicular cancer starts in the germ cells. Based on the characteristics of the germ cells in the tumor, testicular cancers are categorized into two types: seminomas or nonseminomas. Other types of this cancer are rare.
Seminomas may be one of three types:
- Classic choriocarcinoma
- Embryonal carcinoma teratoma
- Yolk sac tumors.
Seminomas and nonseminomas grow differently, spread differently, and are treated differently. A testicular tumor that contains both seminoma and nonseminoma cells is treated as a nonseminoma.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD