Testicular Cancer Signs
Testicular cancer forms in the testes, the egg-shaped glands inside the scrotum. More than 8,000 men were diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2008, according to the National Cancer Institute. Testicular cancer is highly treatable, and knowing the warning signs maximizes the chances of successful treatment.
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Scrotal Symptoms
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According to the Mayo Clinic, a lump in either testicle and a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum are common symptoms of testicular cancer. The abnormality will not necessarily be painful, and may be accompanied by a buildup of fluid in the scrotum.
Other Symptoms
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Testicular cancer can cause symptoms in other areas of the body. According to the National Cancer Institute, these may include soreness in the abdomen, back or groin, fatigue or an overall feeling of not being well. The Mayo Clinic adds that testicular cancer may also bring about soreness or enlargement of the breasts.
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Detection
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Testicular cancer has easily detectable symptoms, and, according to the National Cancer Institute, most men who have it discover the cases themselves. Doctors may also notice abnormalities during a routine physical examination.
Diagnosis
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A doctor who suspects testicular cancer may order a blood test to check the levels of proteins and other substances that are higher than normal when cancer is present in the body. Blood tests can reveal cancer before the tumor is large enough to be detected by examination or imaging techniques.
Doctors also use ultrasound and biopsies to detect testicular cancer. For biopsies, the doctor nearly always removes the entire affected testicle, but in the rare case that the man has only one testicle, the doctor takes a sample of tissue and removes the testicle only if tests reveal that it is cancerous.
Removal of a testicle does not make a man impotent or infertile.
Treatment
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Treatment for testicular cancer includes surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 95 percent of cases can be cured. The type of treatment sometimes depends greatly on the patient's health and on the type of cancer; There are two common types of testicular cancer, and one, seminoma, responds better to radiation than the other.
Risk Factors
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Most cases of testicular cancer occur in men between the ages of 20 and 39, according to the National Cancer Institute. Men with undescended testicles are at a higher risk, as are men who have had testicular cancer previously or have a family history of the disease. Men who were born with abnormalities of the testicles, penis or kidneys may run a higher risk, as do men with an inguinal hernia.
Prevention
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There is no sure way to prevent testicular cancer. The Mayo Clinic recommends that men examine their testicles at least once a month. The clinic recommends using a mirror to check for swelling in the scrotum; examining each testicle with both hands for lumps.
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