• Undescended testis [cryptorchidism] - this means that a testicle has not fully descended from inside the abdomen to the scrotum. Sperm production in such a testis is reduced and surgical correction is often recommended before age 2 years to limit this. Abnormal growth can be more readily detected if the testis is in the scrotum.
  
  
• Klinefelter syndrome - a genetic condition that occurs in males, involving an extra X chromosome in the body's cells. A variety of characteristics relating to sexual maturation may be present, including undescended testis.

Some predisposing risk or contributing factors to developing testicular cancer are:

• Family history - Though this is rare, clustering in the families has been reported
  
  
• Cancer in one teste - This increases the risk of cancer developing in the other

Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer

• The most common symptom is a swelling (usually painless) in part of one testicle.
  
• A hard lump at the front or side of the testes
  
• Some men may notice an ache in their lower abdomen or in the affected testis.
  
• There may be a feeling of "heaviness" in the scrotum.

These symptoms are also associated with other conditions and should always be investigated by a doctor.