Types of testicular cancer

According to the NHS, the different types of testicular cancer are classified by the type of cells the cancer first begins in.

The most common type of testicular cancer (95% of cases) is ‘germ cell testicular cancer’. Germ cells help create sperm.

There are two main subtypes of germ cell testicular cancer.

They are:

• Seminomas, which account for around 40-45% of all germ cell testicular cancers
• Non-seminomas, which account for around 40-45% of all germ cell testicular cancers

Seminomas and non-seminomas respond well to chemotherapy.

Less common types of testicular cancer include:

• Leydig cell tumours, which account for around 1-3% of cases
• Sertoli cell tumours, which account for around 1% of cases
• Lymphoma, which accounts for around 4% of cases