Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026

Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
Published on: March 6, 2018
Environmental toxicology of testicular cancer
Joshua J Meeks1, Joel Sheinfeld, Scott E Eggener
1Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
Objective:
Testicular cancer incidence appears to be increasing. In many regions, industrialization results in the production of potentially carcinogenic environmental toxins. We review the available data linking environmental toxins to testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT).
Methods:
A PubMed review of the English literature was performed to identify studies evaluating the relationship between environmental toxins and TGCT.
Results:
Many environmental toxins have been implicated in the development of TGCT, including organochlorines, polychlorinated biphenyls, polyvinyl chlorides, phthalates, marijuana, and tobacco. Variable levels of evidence exist and significant study design limitations preclude a definitive etiologic role for individual environmental toxins.
Conclusion:
Environmental toxins may play an important but undetermined role in the development of TGCT. Further work is needed to evaluate specific toxins and TGCT carcinogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
Toxicity Testing in Animals
Types of Toxins
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...
Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...
Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity
Spermatogenesis
Testes: Histology
The spermatogenic cells, responsible for producing sperm, are...