Testicular Cancer
By: Reckless AlterTotal Views: 73, Word Count: 725,
Testicular Cancer is the cancer that develops in the testicles which are the main reproductary glands located in the scrotum. It is very common among males aged 15 to 40 years. Testicular Cancer has the highest cure rates among all types of cancers. Even if the cancer has reached the malignant stage, it responds well to chemotherapy. Many other conditions look very similar to Testicular Cancer like testicular microthiasis, epididymal cysts and appendix testis.
Other names:
- Cancer testes
- Germ cell tumor
- Semionoma testicular cancer
- Nonsemionama testicular cancer
Causes of Testicular Cancer
The exact causes of Testicular Cancer are not known. Some factors may increase the mans risk for Testicular Cancer.
- Abnormal testicle development
- History of Testicular Cancer
- History of undescended testicles
- Klinefelters syndrome
- Exposure to certain chemicals
Types of Testicular Cancer
- Seminomas: it is slow growing, is detected in testes and may spread to lymph nodes. It is very sensitive to radiation therapy.
- Nonseminomas: it is very common and grow very quickly. These are further differentiated into:
- Embryonal carcinoma
- Teratoma
- Choriocarcinoma
- Yolk sac tumor
How to check for Testicular Cancer
Testicular self examination should be performed on monthly basis as it may help detect such cancer at earlier stage. Men must examine each testicle and feel for pea shaped lumps. Normally the testicle is smooth and ridges are felt because of the enlarged blood vessels.
Symptoms of Testicular Cancer
- Lump n testis or hardening of one of the testicles
- Numbness or pain in testicles
- Loss of sexual interest or activity
- Sexual withdrawal
- Burning sensation following physical activity
- Hydrocele i.e. building up of fluid in scrotum or tunica vaginalis
- Dull ache in the lower abdomen
- Sudden decrease or increase in the size of the testicles
- Blood in the semen
- Feeling tired or weak
- Excess development of the tissues in the breast
Tests for Testicular Cancer
- Pelvic and abdominal CT scan
- Blood tests for tumors
- Chest x ray
- Ultrasound of scrotum
- Biopsy
Stages of Testicular Cancer
Testicular Cancer has three stages and the size of tumor is not important while determining the stages.
- Stage I: cancer is localized to the testis
- Stage II: cancer is in the testis and metastasis
- Stage III: cancer is in the testis and metastasis and beyond retroperitoneal nodes
- Stage IV: there is liver or lung secondaries
Treatment of Testicular Cancer
Treatment depends on the size of the cancerous growth and its stage. Three basic types of treatments are:
- Surgery: removal of testicle and nearby lymph nodes
- Radiation therapy: using high energy rays to prevent tumor from returning
- Chemotherapy: use drugs like cisplatin, bleomycin and etoposide to kill cancer cells
Many men suffer from testicular cancer. You should know how to check for testicular cancer and detect it in early stages of testicular cancer. There are many tests for testicular cancer detection and opt for proper treatment of testicular cancer.
About the Author
Dr. Reckless Alter is graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine as a physician in 1969 and went on to earn his medical degree in 1973. For over 25 years he has been a pioneer in the field of surgery, with a special focus on wellness medicine and hormones for men. Dr. Reckless is currently a board-certified Family Practitioner and a precautionary Medicine specialist. He has helped heal many problems of men through his treatment.
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