It's uncommon for testicular cancer to run in families. There are some sporadic cases reported of both father and son developing testis tumors, or brothers, but it's very uncommon. Trauma probably does not play a role in causing testicular cancer, although an injury may call somebody's attention to an abnormality in the testis.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Generally, about 70 or 80 percent have with some painless swelling or firmness to the testicle that's either picked up by the patient or by their sexual partner. Because it's painless, many patients may think it is harmless and there can be a long delay before they actually seek attention by their physician.
How should people screen for testicular cancer?
Because testicular cancer is fairly uncommon, even in patients who had an undescended testicle, I think the best screening is just teaching the patients testicular self-examination. Parents should encourage their sons to do testicular self-examination, especially if they're at a higher risk. People can learn the technique from their primary care physician or their pediatrician.
Ultrasonography can be used to look at the testicle but the number of cancers that would found would be fairly low even in a high-risk population, so it would not be applicable as a widespread screening method.
