Diagnosis of Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer occurs inside the testicles, which are located inside the scrotal sac underneath the penis. It usually occurs in only one testicle. Testicular cancer is rare, but when it does occur, it's highly curable with the proper treatment.

Symptoms of Testicular Cancer

The symptoms of testicular cancer may include a lump in one of the testicles, pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum, an ache in the stomach or groin, a heavy feeling or fluid in the scrotum, enlarged breasts, or feeling tired or unwell for no reason.

Surgery as a Treatment for Testicular Cancer

The main treatment for testicular cancer is generally surgery to remove the testicle. An incision is made in the groin to remove the entire testicle. Sometimes the surgery involves removal of lymph nodes in the groin. This may be done at the same time as the removal of the testicle, or later. An implanted, saline-filled testicle can be inserted if the patient chooses. The surgeon should take every precaution to avoid cutting any nerves in the area, as this could result in difficulty when ejaculating. Testicular surgery will not affect or prevent erections in the future.

After the surgery, CT scans are scheduled every few months to ensure the cancer hasn't returned. Blood tests are done to check for cancer. It's important that patients follow through with these checkups.

Radiation Therapy

Another treatment option for testicular cancer is radiation therapy, in which high-powered energy beams such as X-rays are used to kill cancer cells. Side effects of radiation therapy include fatigue, redness of the skin and possibly irritation in the areas around the abdomen and groin. It's possible to become infertile for a while, but as the treated area heals fertility can return.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy kills cancer cells through the use of drugs. Chemotherapy might be recommended after surgery, and before or after lymph node removal. Side effects depend on the drugs that are used and may include nausea, infertility, risk of infection, hair loss and fatigue.

If Testicular Cancer Returns

When all else fails, and if the cancer returns after treatment, the patient may be advised to undergo experimental treatments in a clinical trial such as a stem cell transplant. Drugs are administered that causes the stem cells in the patient’s bone marrow to flow into the blood. Once these cells are filtered from the blood, they are frozen for later use. The patient is then given chemotherapy to kill cancer cells and also bone marrow cells. The stored stem cells are then thawed and put back into the body to replenish the bone marrow.

References

• National Cancer Institute