Testicular cancer

The American Cancer Society estimates that the number of men who are being diagnosed with testicular cancer each year is now about 8,500. Every year a little less than 400 men die from testicular cancer in the United States. Testicular cancer makes up for less than 1% of all cancers so it is not a very common form of cancer. The cancer starts in or around the testicles and causes a noticeable lump to form. The majority of men who develop this form of cancer are typically between ages 20 and 34. However it can be found in younger or older men as well. If a man ever notices a swelling or lump around their testicles they should go to their doctor immediately and have a thorough medical evaluation. If testicular cancer is caught early enough there is a 90% cure rate. When the cancer is allowed to progress the cure rate dropped dramatically. It should be noted that men can develop testicular cancer after another cancer that has spread to this area from other parts of the body.

One of the first symptoms of this type of cancer is a feeling of pressure or a lump in the scrotum. Along with the lump is a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum. There may or may not be pain in the testicles and penis. If there is pain it may come and go. Fluid tends to collect in the scrotum as well and men will feel and notice that they have an ach in their abdomen area. The scrotum may also become swollen. Men can check for testicular cancer every month much the same as women do for breast cancer. The cause of testicular cancer is unknown. Men who have an un-descended testicle are more at risk for this type of cancer. Most medical professionals believe that genetics play a major factor in men who develop testicular cancer. If a man has a brother who has had this cancer it puts him in a higher risk group for it. It has been associated with mumps in men as well. Men who have a problem with fertility should be tested for this cancer as it may be the cause of their infertility.

Men often make the mistake of thinking that they have this type of cancer if one testicle is larger than the other. However this is not necessarily the case. The doctor must do an ultra sound on the scrotum and blood tests to determine the presence of cancer. If there is a lump in the scrotum or testicle it needs to have a biopsy done on it to determine if there are any malignant cells. The lump is removed and the affected testicle is removed as well cancerous cells are found. After the surgical removal of the lump and testicle a follow up treatment is done with radiation and chemotherapy.



If this type of cancer is left untreated it will become 100% fatal. However, if the cancer is caught early enough men can live a long and normal healthy life afterward. Men who have their testicle removed because of cancer do not suffer adverse effects on their sexual life. The doctor may detect testicular cancer during a routine physical exam as he will be able to feel the lump. If a lump is felt the doctor will order an ultrasound test. The final step in diagnosing this kind of cancer is a biopsy of the lump. Once diagnosed other tests have to be done to determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Men should always go in for yearly medical check ups just as women are told to do.