Which type of tumor accounts for the vast majority of testicular cancer cases?

Germ cell tumors are the most prevalent type of tumor found in cases of testicular cancer, accounting for approximately 95% of all testicular cancer diagnoses. These tumors arise from the germ cells, which are the cells responsible for sperm production and development in the testis. Germ cell tumors can further be categorized into seminomas and non-seminomas, the latter of which includes several subtypes like embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac tumors, and teratomas.

The prominence of germ cell tumors in testicular cancer is significant in understanding the nature and treatment of the disease. For example, the growth patterns, treatment response, and prognostic outcomes for germ cell tumors differ from those of other tumor types. This categorization facilitates targeted treatment approaches, contributing to the high cure rates associated with testicular cancer.

Other types mentioned, such as leukemia, typically do not originate in the testicles, and serous tumors, while significant in ovarian cancer, are not the primary concern in the context of testicular cancer. Yolk sac tumors are a specific subtype of germ cell tumors and are much less common overall. Understanding the predominance of germ cell tumors is crucial for clinical assessments and management of testicular cancer.