In the majority of instances, testicular cancer is successfully treatable, despite its potentially fatal nature. Although it is a rare kind of cancer, accounting for only 1.2% of all male cancers, it is the most prevalent form of cancer among males aged 15 to 35. Symptoms are frequently asymptomatic, although regular self-examination can be a helpful method for detecting early indications.
Testicular Cancer
The testicles are an essential component of the male reproductive system and are found in the scrotum, which is the loose skin positioned beneath the penis. They produce sperm and the hormone testosterone, which is essential for the sexual health of men. The majority of testicular cancer arises in the sperm-producing cells, also known as germ cells.
Common Signs of Testicular Cancer
Usually painless swelling or a lump in one of the testicles, often the size of a pea, is the most prevalent sign of testicular cancer. Additional symptoms may include:
- Variation in texture or form of the testicles
- An intermittent dull discomfort or severe pain in the scrotum or testicle.
- Lower abdominal or groin soreness, hurting, or discomfort
- An increase in testicular firmness
- There is a distinction in appearance between the two testicles.
- A heavy feeling in the scrotum
- A collection of fluid within the scrotum.
In addition to enlargement or tenderness of breast tissue, a lump or swelling in the neck, fatigue, lower back pain, shortness of breath, a persistent cough, or coughing up blood, symptoms of metastatic testicular cancer (cancer that has spread to areas other than the testicles) may also include enlargement or tenderness of breast tissue, a lump or swelling in the neck, a lump or swelling in the neck, fatigue, and lower back pain.
Risk Factors
Certain factors can increase a man’s risk of developing testicular cancer, including:
- An undescended testicle
- A family history of testicular cancer
- Age – it is more common in men between the ages of 15 and 35
Self-Examination
There is no way to avoid testicular cancer, although early discovery can make therapy more effective. Once every month, it is recommended to undertake a basic, three-minute self-exam. After a warm bath or shower, when the skin around the scrotum is most relaxed, is the optimum moment to perform a self-examination. To inspect the testicles for lumps or nodules, roll each one between the thumb and fingers of both hands. The majority of scrotal lumps are not testicular, are not malignant, and are typically the consequence of a cyst or enlarged blood vessels in the tubes around the testicles. Nonetheless, they should never be disregarded. For an accurate diagnosis, you should always have any lumps or anomalies evaluated by your doctor as soon as possible.
Diagnosis and Treatment
To evaluate whether a lump is testicular cancer, your doctor will conduct diagnostic testing, which may involve an ultrasound to provide a clear image of the scrotum and testicles and blood tests to detect particular hormones (markers) in the blood that, if increased, can indicate testicular cancer. In some instances, testicular removal (orchiectomy) may be recommended in order to determine the presence of malignancy. A CT scan and further blood tests may be necessary to determine the stage of the cancer and determine if it has spread to other parts of the body.
Depending on the type and extent (stage) of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health and treatment preferences, the testicle and associated lymph nodes may be surgically removed. Additionally, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be required to prevent the cancer from reappearing. In the majority of cases, testicular cancer can be successfully treated, even if it has metastasized and migrated to another area of the body.
If you are looking for specialized men’s health care, contact Urologist-PH.com. For more information about our services and specialties, you can schedule an appointment online using our secure online appointment request form.
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