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Testicular Cancer Overview of Testicular Cancer
Although testicular cancer is a rare condition, it is one of the most common forms of cancer diagnosed in men between the ages of 20 and 40. It is also one of the most easily cured cancers if diagnosed in the early stages. However testicle cancer can and often does spread to the lymph nodes and other sites in the body if left untreated and it may ultimately be fatal. Surprisingly the condition only normally affects one of the two testicles.
There are four types of testicular cancer each of which affects a different type of cell:
- Seminoma
- Embryonal carcinoma
- Teratoma
- Chiriocarcinoma
Seminomas are the most common type and affect the sperm-producing cells of the testes.
Risk Factors of Testicular Cancer
The causes of testicular cancer are not precisely known however certain factors are known to increase the risk of developing the disease. These include having a family history of the condition or having an un-descended testis. This form of cancer is most prominent in males between 20 and 40 although it can develop at virtually any age.
Signs and Symptoms of Testicular Cancer
The signs of testicular cancer can remain hidden for quite some time because there are no real physical symptoms to report. Men need to know how to check for testicular cancer from a young age and should be encouraged to research testicular cancer information so that they know what to look for.
The main symptoms of testicular cancer include:
- A hard, painless lump in the affected testicle.
- A change in the usual size and texture of the testis.
- A dull ache in the scrotum which many men simply describe as testicle pain.
- Rarely, a sudden sharp pain that runs through the affected testicle.
Occasionally fluid can accumulate in the scrotum which causes swelling however this is not considered a common testicular cancer symptom.
Treatment for Testicular Cancer
The main testicular cancer treatment involves the surgical removal of the affected testis. If the cancer has not spread past the testis then it may be that no further treatment is needed. However even after the surgical removal blood tests to monitor tumour markers will need to be carried out every 6 months to make sure that the cancer has not returned in the other testicle or spread around the body. In addition the sufferer will need to check for testicular cancer signs at least once a month.
If the cancer has spread to other tissues in the body then it may be that further treatment for testicular cancer and its metastases is required. This may include additional surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Surgery may be needed if the original cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the abdomen and chemotherapy will help to kill any stray cancerous cells that remain.
The surgical removal of a testis is very unlikely to affect sexual function however chemotherapy and radiotherapy reduce sperm production and fertility may be temporarily or permanently affected by these treatments.
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