Although testicular cancer accounts for only 1% of all male malignancies, the understanding and study of this disease are important for a variety of reasons. The evolution of therapy for germ cell tumors (GCTs) has been deliberate and thoughtful, and has resulted in cures of 85%. GCT therapy serves as a model for the treatment of curable cancers and is particularly notable because GCT occurs in young men who are entering their most productive years. Nonetheless, challenges in the management of GCTs remain. Because of their young age, patients who have been cured are at risk of delayed, treatment-induced toxicity. Furthermore, an 85% cure rate also implies that 15% of patients with GCTs will not be cured and will ultimately succumb to their disease. An understanding of staging and risk assessment is crucial if (1) patients with good-risk features are not to be overtreated and exposed to undue toxic risks, and (2) patients with poor-risk features are to receive adequate (curative) therapy.