Cancer Information

Cancer can attack any part of the body; lungs, stomach, reproductory organs and many other parts. A common form of cancer in men is testicular cancer. This is a cancer that occurs in the male sex glands in the scrotum. Testicles produce and store sperms while producing male hormones.

Testicular cancer is also known as germ cell tumor and is of two kinds - seminoma or nonseminoma. About 40% of testicular cancer are seminoma type and the other are divided into four sub-types; choriocarcinoma, teratoma, embryonal carcinoma and yolk sac tumors. The cancer can sometimes also be a combination of both cancers, and are called mixed germ-cell tumors.

Testicular cancer is prevalent in men aged between 15 and 35 and is more common in white men than Asians and blacks. The exact causes are still unknown, but there are various risk factors that can induce testicular cancer. Underdevelopment of testicles, Klinefelter’s syndrome where the man experiences sterility, small testes, breast enlargement and lesser male hormones and those who have had testicular cancer are all prone developing cancer on the other testicle in the 25 years after the attack.

There is nothing that can be done to prevent testicular cancer; the most that could be done is its early detection. Testicular self-exam is a great means of diagnosing testicular cancer; it is always better to test testicles immediately after bathing as this is when the scrotal sac is relaxed. The testicles have to be rolled between the forefinger and thumb for any signs of lumps.

Besides a lump, swelling in the testicles or some changes in the feel of the testicle are symptoms for testicular cancer. Accumulation of fluid in the scrotum or pain in the scrotum is also considered as symptoms of testicular cancer. Though these symptoms may signify other conditions, it is always better to have a physician evaluate the condition. Testicular cancer can also be diagnosed through ultrasound of the scrotum or a biopsy. Once testicular cancer is detected, treatment is rendered according to the extent of the condition.

Depending on whether testicular cancer is seminoma or nonseminoma, and its stage, is its treatment determined. All treatments involve the removal of the affected testicle. However, as this can affect fertility and sexuality, this has to be discussed with the family. With the removal of a testicle, the other testicle is capable of producing sperms and an erection so that it is possible to father a child.

However, any other surgery, radiation and chemotherapy also affect sperm production and ejaculation. So the treatment should be discussed before adapting it. In nonseminomas, the lymph nodes are also removed to find out the extent of tumor spread. However, this is not necessary in seminomas as CT scans provide sufficient information.

Radiation is preferable for seminomas, and not for nonseminomas as they are not sensitive to radiation. When giving radiation, the remaining testicle is usually shielded to prevent radiation reaching it as this may hamper its ability in producing sperms. Though sperm count may reduce after radiation, it returns to normal in a few years of treatment.

Chemotherapy is administered after surgery through injections or orally to kill any tumor cells there may be in the body. Whatever the treatment adapted, it is necessary to have follow up testing because there is always the chance of a recurrence of a second tumor. There are different follow up testing routines to be adapted; it all depends on the case.

Kelly Moore runs a respected

Testes are one of the most important parts of male reproductive system. Testes are responsible for production of sperm (which is the source of human life together with the female egg) and testosterone which starts at puberty. The testicular cancer is the development of cancerous/ malignant cells in the testes.

Causes of testicular cancer

The exact causes of testicular cancer are not known completely and are still a matter of research and analysis. However, the risk of testicular cancer is more for people who have a testicle that has failed to descend. Genes/ family history is generally quoted as another cause of testicular cancer.

Symptoms of testicular cancer

Swelling of a testicle could be the sign of testicular cancer. However, not all such swellings are testicular cancer. Such swellings could be caused by other conditions too (most of which are harmless). The lump (the testicular cancer) may or may not be accompanied by pain; so, do not consider the absence of pain as an indication of benign tissue. However, if you are in doubt then you should immediately contact a qualified doctor for advice. Detection of testicular cancer in its early stages can really prevent it from spreading around and substantially increase the effectiveness of treatment.

Diagnosis of testicular cancer

The first step in the diagnosis of testicular cancer is physical examination. The doctor can feel the lump and based on his/her observation recommend further testicular cancer tests. The next step is an ultrasound scan of the testes. The final diagnosis of testicular cancer involves biopsy. This test can confirm if the lump is malignant or benign. One important part of diagnosis of testicular cancer is to determine whether the testicular cancer is localized to that testicle or whether it has spread to other organs of the body.

Treatment of testicular cancer

As for most types of cancer, the treatment of testicular cancer too is done in three ways i.e. surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The best thing about the treatment of testicular cancer is that it is very successful for most patients. However, the golden rule that is applicable to all types of cancer is true for testicular cancer too i.e. catch it early to increase the effectiveness of treatment. Also, it’s worth noting that removal of one testicle (as part of surgical procedure for treatment of testicular cancer) doesn’t really effect your reproductive system (and if you want you can get a dummy testicle placed in the place of the removed testicle; just so it doesn’t look bad).

Warren and Karen have been involved in the internet for a number of years and run several websites. They are most interested in providing opportunities for people to connect with information relating to business, health and creativity. Check out their testicular–cancer.blogspot.com Testicular Cancer blog for more information.