Overview

Testicular cancer begins in the testicles and may spread to other parts of the body. It is a rare type of cancer that is the most prevalent malignancy in men between fifteen and thirty-five years old in the US. The testicles, located in the scrotum underneath the penis, produce various male sex hormones and sperm. However, testicular cancer is highly treatable even when it metastasizes to other organs. This article will focus on the necessary information regarding testicular cancer, its risk factors, cause, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

How Common Is Testicular Cancer?

The American Cancer Society reports that an estimated 440 men will die from testicular cancer in the US in 2020.
Similarly, there will be 9,610 new cases this year. About 1 in every 250 men will develop the disease at some point in their lifetime. Most people receive a diagnosis at 33 years old, on average. The risk of dying due to testicular cancer is 1 to 5,000.

Risk Factors of Testicular Cancer

Risk factors increase a person’s chance of developing a disease. Having many of these does not mean you will develop the disease. Similarly, not having any risk factors does not mean you will not have the condition in the future. The following are the most well-known risk factors for testicular cancer:

Cryptorchidism. This medical condition refers to having an undescended testicle that didn’t descend before birth from the abdominal area.

Abnormal development of the testicle that occurs in some medical conditions or syndromes increases the chances of cancer. Such an example is Klinefelter syndrome.

A family history of testicular cancer raises your likelihood of presenting with the disease in the future.

Being between 15 and 35 years old increases your chance of developing testicular cancer.

Being white raises your chance of developing testicular cancer in comparison to being black.

Survival And Fatality of Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is one of the most curable cancers and fatality is nearly 100%. The risk of dying is one in five thousand. And the survival rate of testicular cancer is 95%.

What Is the Cause of Testicular Cancer?

Scientists do not know exactly what causes testicular cancer, except for the fact that some cells start growing and multiplying out of control, creating a tumor. The disease can spread to other tissues, as well. Most types of testicular cancer begin in the germ cells, responsible for producing immature sperm. It is not clear why some of these start growing out of control. However, the risk factors of testicular cancer seem to increase the chance of an individual developing the disease.

Symptoms And Signs of Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer most commonly affects a single testicle. The following are some testicular cancer symptoms and signs of testicular cancer:

• A lump in the testicle
• An enlarged testicle
• Feeling your scrotum heavy
• Inflammation or fluid collection in the scrotum
• Pain in one testicle or scrotum
• Having pain in the back
• Having a dull ache in the groin.

Diagnosis of Testicular Cancer

Most people have symptoms that suggest testicular cancer. When they consult their doctor, he or she performs a physical exam and asks questions to find out more about the history and risk factors of the individual. During the clinical examination, your doctor will examine your testicles to check for lumps or swelling. The doctor will also review your lymph nodes and abdominal area to check for signs of metastasis. According to the results of the above, he or she will suggest further testing. Some of the investigations used to diagnose testicular cancer are the following:

• Ultrasound of the testicles
• Blood tests to test for tumor markers
• Biopsy to take a sample of tissue and examine it under the microscope
• Surgery and testicle extraction to determine if it’s cancerous
• Imaging tests to check for metastasis and to stage the tumor.

How To Perform a Self-Exam of Testicles

• Self-examining the testicles every month helps find a tumor early. It involves checking the testicles while
  standing and when the scrotal skin is most relaxed, like after a hot water bath or shower.
• Gently roll each testicle between your thumb and forefingers to feel its entire surface. The testis should be firm
  all around.
• Find the soft tube-like structures the epididymis and vas deferens behind the testicles and become familiar with
  how they feel.
• Look for any lumps, swelling, or anything that does not seem right. These may not cause any pain, yet having them
  is abnormal.

Check every month for any changes in shape, size, or texture. If you find any lump, swelling, pain, or changes in the feel of the testicles, visit a urologist to know if it is cancer or anything else.

Can You Diagnose Testicular Cancer Early?

Yes. Testicular cancer usually causes early symptoms that make men seek medical care and attention early in the course of the disease. Usually, it presents as a swelling in the scrotum or a lump in the testicle. Although some types of testicular cancer are asymptomatic until later stages, they are usually highly treatable, even in more advanced stages. Most doctors suggest examining the testicles should be part of all clinical examinations as a screening method for testicular cancer.

Types of Testicular Cancer

Scientists classify testicular cancer according to the cells responsible for the disease. It is vital to know what class of testicular cancer you have so that you can receive appropriate treatment. The two general types of testicular cancer are seminomas and nonseminomas. Seminomas are not very aggressive and occur in older men. Nonseminomas occur in younger men and are generally more aggressive than seminomas. Each category consists of many subtypes of testicular cancer that require special care and treatment.

What Is the Treatment of Testicular Cancer?

The treatment of testicular cancer depends on many factors, including the patient’s overall health, age, history, type, and stage of testicular cancer. The disease is highly treatable and responds well to therapeutic interventions, even in the presence of metastasis. There are three standard treatment methods for testicular cancer, which are the following:

• Surveillance
• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy

During surgery, your surgeon will remove your testicle and surrounding lymph nodes, if necessary. Radiation therapy, mostly reserved for seminomas, uses high-powered energy beams to kill the tumor and its cancer cells. Chemotherapy uses oral drugs to kill cancer cells. You might need to take it alone or in combination with another therapeutic intervention, such as surgery. While surgery might carry some common risks, radiation therapy and chemotherapy have some side effects. Consider consulting your doctor to learn more about your treatment options and their potential side effects.

Living With Testicular Cancer

You can have a prosthesis to replace the lost testicle, which will feel and look like a normal testicle.

All is not lost after the removal of one testicle. The other testicle can produce enough testosterone and help keep up the bone and muscle strength, libido, and energy levels. You may be able to father your children though treatments like radiotherapy are bound to reduce fertility levels.

The fear of contracting cancer again can linger after treatment. You can seek medical therapy at Veritalife Australia for this.