In addition to producing sperm, the testicles also produce male hormones like testosterone. Testosterone controls a man’s sex drive and also starts the growth of body hair and bone. In rare cases, testicular cancer can be painful. The symptoms of testicular cancer may also be associated with a different ailment, such as epididymitis, or a problem called hydrocele. In this case, a doctor will treat the condition using antibiotics or a procedure to remove the fluid.
Some types of testicular cancer are harmless and may not spread to other parts of the body. However, if the cancerous cells spread, they may become cancerous and invade nearby tissues and organs, including the lungs. While testicular cancer is rare, it should be noted that some cancers may be a sign of a broader ailment, such as sarcoma, adenocarcinoma, or leukemia.
Although most men survive testicular cancer after treatment, it is important to note that treatment options vary based on the stage of the cancer. Early stage cancer may be treated with observation. Chemotherapy can also kill cancer cells in other parts of the body. High-dose chemotherapy may be followed by stem cell transplants that develop into healthy blood cells. Depending on the stage of cancer, treatment for testicular cancer can range from observation to surgery.
Other risk factors of testicular cancer include HIV and AIDS. Infertility may increase the risk of developing testicular cancer. Additionally, people with a history of testicular cancer are more likely to develop it than those without any risk factors. Nevertheless, patients with HIV are recommended to undergo regular self-examinations to be safe from this disease. This way, their doctor can see if there are any suspicious changes.
A biopsy can also be a diagnostic tool for testicular cancer. During this procedure, a technician will take a sample of tissue from the testicle to determine if there is cancer. If it is, your doctor will remove the entire testicle and perform further tests to determine if the cancer has spread. If the biopsy has been positive, the doctor may remove the entire testicle instead. If cancer is detected, the doctor will then remove the entire testicle or perform several other procedures to confirm that there is no other disease.
In rare cases, testicular cancer can occur at any age. It affects men of any age, although it is more common among men between the ages of 15 and 30. Males older than 50 are less likely to develop the disease. One in every 250 men will develop the disease, but it is highly curable if detected early enough. There are many signs and symptoms of testicular cancer, and treatment is available for it.
Testicular cancer can alter a man’s sexual energy and fertility, but it is unlikely to affect the ability to conceive. Although most men can maintain a normal erection after surgery, they are at a higher risk of infertility and low testosterone. Semen may be impacted due to the tumors in the lymph nodes, making ejaculation difficult. A man with this disease may consider banking sperm to prevent the cancer from spreading to the reproductive organs.
