This is not the end of the world, as most men can recover from testicular cancer. However, the condition can cause a reduction in sexual energy and lower testosterone levels, which can cause infertility. Testosterone levels may also drop, making it difficult to get an erection after treatment. While this short-term effect may be temporary, it can be serious. Your doctor may recommend drugs that can help you conceive. If this occurs, consider banking your sperm for future use.
When cancer spreads beyond the testicles, doctors may use radiation therapy to remove any remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy is another option. This treatment involves drugs that kill cancer cells and prevent them from dividing. Chemotherapy may be given orally or through an injection. It is usually temporary and will go away on its own after the treatment. For moderate cases of testicular cancer, doctors may recommend chemotherapy. If radiation is unsuccessful, the patient may need to undergo regular monitoring.
Symptoms of testicular cancer can include an enlarged testicle, a hard lump, and an abnormally shaped or swollen breast. Often, testicular cancer will have no symptoms until the disease has spread throughout the body. The cancer may start in germ cells that produce immature sperm. Some genetic factors may increase your risk. However, there is no guarantee that a person with testicular cancer will have these symptoms.
Treatment options for testicular cancer depend on where it started and how advanced the cancer is. In most cases, radiation and chemotherapy are used to treat the disease. However, if you have no family doctor in your area, you can call Roswell Park to make an appointment. The doctors at this clinic can provide you with the necessary information and treatment options. It is estimated that three to four percent of men will develop cancer in the other testicles. It is also worth noting that white men are four to five times more likely to develop testicular cancer than non-white men.
Although the exact causes of testicular cancer are unknown, certain factors are associated with a higher risk of developing the disease. Among these, undescended testicles are the main risk factor. Undescended testicles are not common but are associated with an increased risk of developing the disease. Furthermore, men who do not undergo surgery for undescended testicles are at a higher risk than men who have undescended testicular testicles.
The most effective way to detect a testicular cancer is to perform a self-examination monthly. You can check the condition of your testicles by standing up and gently touching them with your fingers. The testicles should feel firm and the epididymis (tube at the back) should be visible. Additionally, check for signs of swelling, pain, or a soft tissue or vein that may indicate a tumor.
