What is childhood testicular cancer?

Testicular tumors in children can form in the tissue of one or both testicles. These tumors can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body. However, they may grow and press on nearby tissues, causing discomfort or other problems. Malignant tumors may spread to other parts of the body. Benign tumors are more common in young boys and infants while malignant tumors are more common in boys who have gone through puberty.

The testicles are two egg-shaped glands in the male reproductive system. They are located inside the scrotum, a sac of loose skin that lies directly below the penis. The testicles are held within the scrotum by the spermatic cord, which contains the vas deferens, vessels, and nerves of the testicles. The testicles produce male hormones, such as testosterone, and sperm.

Anatomy of the male reproductive system. The male reproductive system is made up of organs and glands involved in making offspring (children). These include the vas deferens (a long tube that carries sperm out of the testes), prostate gland, penis, and testes.