Testicular cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in one or both testicles. The testicles are a pair of male sex glands that make and store sperm. The testicles also make male hormones. They are located under the penis in a sac-like pouch called the scrotum.
There are three main types of testicular cancer:
Cancer occurs when cells in the body (in this case testicular cells) divide without control or order. Normally, cells divide in a regulated manner. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably when new cells are not needed, a mass of tissue forms, called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors, which can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor does not invade or spread.
The causes of testicular cancer are unknown. However, research shows that certain risk factors are associated with the disease.
These factors increase your chance of developing testicular cancer. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:
If you have any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to testicular cancer. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include:
Once testicular cancer is found, tests are done to find out if the cancer has spread and, if so, to what extent.
Surgery requires removing the cancerous testicle. This is done through an incision in the groin. The surgeon may also remove nearby lymph nodes to check for metastasis.
Radiation therapy is the use of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy for testicular cancer comes from a machine outside the body that directs radiation at the abdomen.
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be given in many forms including: pill, injection, and via a catheter. The drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through the body killing mostly cancer cells, but also some healthy cells.
There are no guidelines for preventing testicular cancer. However, having your testicles examined by your doctor during regular physical exams can detect cancer in its early stages when it may be more treatable. Contact your doctor right away if you notice any lumps, hardness, or changes in your testicles. All men should perform self-testicular exams on a monthly basis, regardless of whether they are at risk or not.
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.ca/
Cancer Care Ontario
http://www.cancercare.on.ca/
References:
What causes testicular cancer? American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_2_2x_What_Causes_Testicular_Cancer_41.asp?sitearea= . Updated December 4, 2007. Accessed July 2, 2008.
General information about testicular cancer. National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH) website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/testicular/patient . Accessed July 2, 2008.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Mohei Abouzied, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.