Testicular Cancer

General Information on Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is a growth of malignant cells in the testicle. The testicles are the male sex glands located in the scrotum. Currently, it is the most common form of cancer to affect your men. The cause is currently unknown. However, studies have shown that risk for testicular cancer increases with undescended testicles in infancy, abnormally developed testicles, and family history of testicular cancer. The condition most commonly develops in germ cells (the cells responsible for sperm production). Testicular cancer can affect males at any age, but is most common in males between the ages of 18 and 32.

Symptoms of Testicular Cancer

Over 90% of all cases of testicular cancer do not cause any pain. Other symptoms of testicular cancer include:

Firm swelling on testicle (often accidentally discovered or from self-examination)
Feeling of “fullness” in the scrotum
Breast tenderness (rarely)
Loss of sexual desire (sometimes)
If cancer spreads, other symptoms may include:
Back pain
Chest pain
Cough
Shortness of breath

Treatments For Testicular Cancer

Testicular self-examination is one of the most important diagnostic measures. Your doctor will perform an examination of the genitals followed by additional “staging” tests, and tests, such as x-rays, to confirm diagnosis.

Treatment of testicular cancer most often involves an orchidectomy. An orchidectomy is the surgical removal of the affected testicle. Depending on the stage and spread of the cancer, radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be necessary. Bone marrow transplantation may be another form of treatment. An orchidectomy may result in infertility. If this is a threat, many patients may opt to freeze their sperm in a sperm bank. This will provide the option for them to produce children after treatment has ended. Additionally, many patients who undergo an orchidectomy may opt for testicular prosthesis (implants). The implants are made of saline in order to look and feel natural. With early treatment the outlook is usually good. Removal of one testicle does not usually interfere with normal sexual function and fertility. If you are experiencing symptoms similar to those listed above, contact your doctor immediately for further diagnosis.

Personal Experience

Testicular Cancer - personal experiences