Facts on Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer refers to cancer that develops in the testicles. This particular cancer is common in young males (ages 15 to 35). But if caught early, testicular cancer has a high success rate. The key is identifying the signs and detecting the cancer before it spreads to other organs.
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Identification and Symptoms
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Discovering a lump in the testicles is a common sign of testicular cancer. However, other signs or symptoms of this particular cancer may include pain in the stomach or groin, testicle pain, soreness around the breast, and tiredness.
Risk Factors
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Various factors contribute to testicular cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic, testicle abnormalities such as an undescended testicle can increase your risk. This particular cancer occurs more often in white men. And having a family history of testicular cancer places you at greater risk.
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Diagnosing Testicular Cancer
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The presence of a lump or testicle pain doesn't automatically point to testicular cancer. To make an accurate diagnosis your doctor will perform an ultrasound, which is an imaging test that closely examines the lump. Thus, doctors can determine the exact location of the lump, and whether there's fluid in the lump--fluid may signal a cyst. Additionally, your doctor may order a blood test to check for tumor markers, or biopsy the lump to check for cancerous cells.
Treatment Options
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There are three primary treatment methods for testicular cancer, and doctors determine the best course of treatment based on the cancer stage. Surgery is commonly recommended for this type of cancer, in which a surgeon completely removes the cancerous testicle. If caught early, additional treatment may not be necessary. In advanced stages of testicular cancer, your doctor may recommend chemotherapy or radiation therapy after surgery. Both methods destroy cancerous cells and stop cancer growth.
Complications
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Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy often reduce sperm production, wherein some men are infertile after undergoing treatment for testicular cancer. Circumstances vary, but in some instances, sperm production returns to normal after several months or years. Before undergoing cancer treatment, talk to your doctor about storing your sperm--especially if you plan to have children.
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