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Home » Articles >> Male health - Testicular Cancer |
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Male health - Testicular Cancer
Men are known for not seeing doctors regularly, especially if it involves parts of the body usually hidden from general view. It has been observed that many men have died from curable conditions, especially cancers, very responsive to treatment. Noticing a lump in your testicles does not mean you have cancer. Lumps can occur for a number of reasons, infection for instance, but it is important to seek medical advice. The aim of treating testicular cancer is to cure so the ability to maintain an erection is not affected. There may be a fear in men that they will not be able to perform sexually or have children. Only one testicle is needed to be fertile but if concerned. It is worth knowing that sperm can be stored for artificial insemination afterward.
Some facts about testicular cancer
• Testicular cancer is rare.
• It is one of the most common forms of cancer among men between the ages of 15 and 35 years of age.
• It accounts for 1 per cent of cancer in men.
• About 7,500 cases of testicular cancer are diagnosed in the United States of America each year.
• It is more common in white males.
The causes of testicular cancer
• Causes of testicular cancer are unknown but some people are at an elevated risk.
• The incidence of testicular cancer is higher among men with urinary system abnormalities such as horseshoe kidneys and duplication of urethras.
• Men with undescended testicles (even after surgical correction) are 20 times more likely to get cancer of the testicles.
• Men who have had cancer in one testicle have a higher chance of developing it in the other one.
• Men with HIV disease are more at risk of developing testicular cancer.
Symptoms of testicular cancer
• Swelling or enlargement of the testicle.
• Lump in the testicle. A lump is a common feature of this disease and is usually found by self examination. Regular self examination is important and any changes should be checked out by your doctor.
• Pain or discomfort. Although a symptom of cancer of the testicles, it is not common that pain or discomfort is experienced either in the scrotum, abdomen, groin or testicles.
Diagnosis
• Physical examination
• Blood test: This test is done to look for serum blood markers, beta HCG and alpha-fetoprotein that indicate the presence of cancer.
• Ultrasound: This can show whether there are abnormalities in the scrotum.
• Biopsy of the tumor: Because of the high risk of contamination and spread of the cancer by doing a scrotal biopsy, the affected testicle is removed through an inguinal incision and the tissue is examined.
Stages of testicular cancer
The type of cancer, tumor markers and clinical findings will help doctors in making the correct diagnosis. Clinical findings will determine the stage the testicular cancer is at. All this information will influence the treatment that is required. Stages are described in the following ways:
Stage 1 – The cancer is confined to the testicle.
Stage 2 – The cancer has spread into the lymph nodes in the abdomen.
Stage 3 – The cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Recurrent – The cancer has returned after treatment.
The treatment of testicular cancer
The aim of treatment is to cure the cancer. Treatment options can include all or some of the following:
The affected testicle is always removed through surgery. A prosthesis of the same weight and shape as the testicle can be inserted if needed. If the cancer involves the lymphatic system, surgery can be used to remove all the affected nodes in the groin and abdomen.
Radiotherapy can be used to kill cancerous cells. It can affect fertility but the effect is not essentially permanent and sperm production does return. There are side effects of radiotherapy such as fatigue, nausea and diarrhea.
If cancer has spread from the testicle to the lymph nodes, chemotherapy is frequently used. It usually involves a cocktail of 3 types which has been found to be very effective. Chemotherapy may also be used to shrink a cancerous tumor prior to surgery. Drugs are carried in the bloodstream so they affect systems of the body as well as the cancerous area.
Side effects are common and unpleasant including nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, diarrhea, shortness of breath, mouth sores, and depression of bone marrow production. Sterility is also a side effect so you should discuss this with your doctor prior to treatment.
Is testicular cancer curable?
Testicular cancer can be cured and success rates are very high. Early detection of the cancer in general means an improved outcome. Nearly all testicular cancers respond positively to treatment.
Even the very thought of having cancer could be traumatic. When the cancer involves the scrotal area, it can be even more difficult as it may affect self image, fertility and sexual performance. Family, friend, and colleague support is vital in the healing process. Support from medical professionals is also significant in making a good recovery. If you discover a lump in your testicles, go to a doctor and remember that testicular cancer has a high cure rate. Early detection gives you the best chance to be treated.
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