Testicular cancer is a life-threatening illness, but it is treatable in the vast majority of cases. It is the most common type of cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 35, despite the fact that it is a rare cancer that accounts for just 1.2 percent of all cancers in men. While the symptoms are mostly painless, self-examination on a daily basis may be an important way to monitor for early signs.
The testicles are found in the scrotum, the loose skin under the penis, and are an integral part of the male reproductive system. They make sperm and the hormone testosterone, both of which are essential for male sexual health. The majority of testicular cancer occurs in the germ cells, which produce sperm.
What are the common signs of Testicular Cancer?
The most common symptom of testicular cancer is a swelling or lump in one of the testicles, which is usually painless and around the size of a pea. Some signs and symptoms include:
- The texture or form of the testicles has changed.
- A dull ache or sudden pain in the scrotum or testicle that comes and goes.
- Lower abdominal or groin pain, aching, or discomfort
- A testicle’s firmness increases.
- The two testicles have a distinct look.
- In the scrotum, a sense of heaviness
- In the scrotum, there is a buildup of blood.
Enlargement or tenderness of breast tissue, a lump or swelling in the abdomen, nausea, lower back pain, shortness of breath, a constant cough, or coughing up blood are all symptoms of metastatic testicular cancer (cancer that has spread outside of the testicles).
A man’s risk of developing testicular cancer can be increased by a number of factors, including:
- an undescended testicle
- A family history of testicular cancer
- Around the ages of 15 to 35, more likely for men to happen
- It is more prevalent in Caucasian men.
Self Examination
While testicular cancer cannot be prevented, early detection can lead to more successful treatment. Once a month, a quick three-minute self-examination is recommended. After a warm bath or shower, when the skin around the scrotum is at its most comfortable, it’s the best time to do a self-examination. To check the testicles for lumps or nodules, gently roll each one between your thumb and fingers on both hands. The majority of lumps in the scrotum are not cancerous and are caused by cysts or swollen blood vessels in the tubes around the testicles. They can, however, never be overlooked. Any lumps or anomalies should be examined by your doctor as soon as possible to ensure a correct diagnosis.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your doctor would need to conduct medical testing to assess if a lump is a testicular cancer. This could require an ultrasound to produce a clear picture of the scrotum and testicles, as well as blood tests to identify certain hormones (markers) in the blood, which, if elevated, can help determine testicular cancer. An orchiectomy (removal of a testicle) may be recommended in some cases to examine the testicle and decide whether cancer is present. A CT scan and further blood tests may be needed to determine cancer’s stage and whether it has spread to other areas of the body.
The type and extent (stage) of cancer, as well as your general health and preferences, will determine your treatment options, which could include surgery to remove the testicle and surrounding lymph nodes if necessary. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy will be needed to keep cancer from coming back. Even if the cancer is metastatic and has spread to another part of the body, most cases of testicular cancer may be successfully treated.
The early urologic intervention of testicular issues can help you stave off testicular cancer problems. If you live in the Philippines and are looking for a qualified and highly skilled urologist, we are ready to serve you. We specialize in treating men’s issues such as infertility, low-T, erectile dysfunction, penile implants, Peyronie’s disease, and prostate health.
Contact us by scheduling an appointment online. A lot of urologists are also available and you may browse through the official website of the Philippine Urological Association, Inc.
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