Testicular Cancer
Content of This Page
1- Introduction
2- Causes
3- Symptoms
4- Stages of The Disease
5- Treatment
6- Prevention and Early Detection
Introduction
Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in one or both testicles, which are the glands located in the scrotum that produce sperm and testosterone. It is relatively rare but is the most common cancer in young men between the ages of 15 and 35. Testicular cancer often presents as a lump or swelling in the testicle and can be highly treatable, especially when detected early.
Causes
- Undescended Testicle: A condition where one or both testicles have not moved into the scrotum before birth.
- Family History: Having a family member with testicular cancer.
- Previous Testicular Cancer: Having had cancer in one testicle increases the risk of it developing in the other.
- Genetic Conditions: Certain genetic conditions, such as Klinefelter syndrome.
- Age: Most common in young men aged 15-35.
- Race and Ethnicity: Higher incidence in Caucasian men compared to African American or Asian men.
- HIV/AIDS: Increased risk due to a weakened immune system.
Symptoms
- A lump or swelling in one or both testicles
- Pain or discomfort in the testicle or scrotum
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- Changes in the size or shape of the testicle
- Pain or ache in the lower abdomen or groin
- Fluid accumulation in the scrotum
- Breast tenderness or enlargement (in rare cases)
Stages of The Disease
Stage I
- Cancer is confined to the testicle. It has not spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
Stage II
- Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes in the abdomen or pelvis.
Stage III
- Cancer has spread beyond the lymph nodes to distant parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, or other organs.
Treatment
- Surgery: Removal of the affected testicle (orchiectomy) and possibly nearby lymph nodes.
- Radiation Therapy: Targeted radiation to kill cancer cells, commonly used for cancers that have spread to lymph nodes.
- Chemotherapy: Systemic drugs to kill cancer cells, used for more advanced cases or cancers that have spread.
- Surveillance: Regular monitoring with blood tests and imaging if the cancer is at an early stage or has a low risk of recurrence.
Prevention And Early Detection
-Prevention:
- Regular Self-Exams: Perform monthly testicular self-exams to detect any lumps or changes early.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.
- Medical Check-Ups: Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider for those at higher risk or with a family history of testicular cancer.
-Early Detection:
- Self-Examination: Regularly check for lumps, swelling, or changes in the testicles.
- Medical Evaluation: Seek medical advice if any unusual symptoms or changes are noticed.
- Ultrasound: Imaging test to assess lumps or abnormalities detected during self-exams or medical evaluations.
- Blood Tests: Measure tumor markers such as AFP, HCG, and LDH if cancer is suspected.