Testicular cancer
Definition
Testicular cancer is the cancer of the testicals which is a part of male reproductive system.
There are two types of testicular cancers seminoma and non seminoma. Seminoma type of cancers are more prevalent in older men and are not aggressive. Non seminoma type of cancers occur in early ages of life and they grow and spread rapidly.
Alternative names
Causes, incidence and risk factors
Cause of testicular cancer is not known.
Undescended testicles (criptorchidism), abnormal testicle development, inguinal hernia, mumps orchitis, family history of testicular cancer, age between 15 to 34 years, sedentary lifestyle and early onset of male characteristics are the risk factors for testicular cancer.
Symptoms
Lump or hardening of one of the testicles, lower back pain, sexual withdrawal, blood in semen, numbness or pain, feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, breast enlargement, tender breasts, fluid build up in scrotum (hydrocele), general weakness, feeling of tiredness, loss of interest in sexual activities and increase or decrease in size of the testes are the symptoms of testicular cancer.
Signs and tests
Ultrasound of the scrotum can diagnose testicular cancer. CT scan (Computerized Tomography) is helpful in detecting the extent of spread of the cancer. Blood tests are done to identify and measure the testicular cancer specific tumor markers. Surgery is done to remove the testicles and the lump is sent to the laboratory for detection of cancer and its type, if found positive.
Blood tests, CT scan and X-ray are used for staging the cancer.
Treatment
Treatment for testicular cancer is possible even if it has spread beyond the testes.
Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy individually or in combination are the treatment options for treatment of testicular cancer.
The treatment depends upon the type of cancer, stage of cancer, overall health of the patient and the personal preferences.
Since only one testis is required for the reproductive function of a man the testis having cancer is removed completely during surgical procedure. It is possible to remove only the tumor part and keep the testis intact but it is not done because more than 95% testicular tumors are malignant.
Radiation therapy is used to treat stage I testicular cancers. Adjuvant therapy is more preferred treatment over radiation therapy because of the disadvantages of radiation like internal scarring and increase in risk of secondary malignancies.
Seminoma type of cancers respond well to radiation therapy whereas non seminoma type of cancers are treated well by chemotherapy.
Expectations (Prognosis)
Most of the testicular cancers are treatable if they have not metastasized. Even in case of metastasis the cure rate is good.
Complications
Infertility, reduced sperm production and side effects of treatment are the complications of testicular cancer.
Calling your health care provide
If there are symptoms of testicular cancer and they last longer than two weeks then calling health care provider immediately is better.
Prevention
There are no known ways of prevention of testicular cancer. Self examination can help in detecting the cancer in early stages and help in early treatment.
Reference
Nih.gov, wikipedia.com, mayoclinic.com