Testicular cancer is typically slow-growing and contains only seminoma cells. There are two subtypes of seminoma: nonseminoma and stromal tumor. Both are cancerous but may be treated differently based on the type of tumor. Both types of cancers can cause damage to the testicles and can affect the lungs, brain, or bone. Treatment for testicular cancer depends on the type of cancer and the expected response to therapy.
If a tumor is large or has high tumor markers, it may be surgically removed and treated with chemotherapy or radiation. In rare cases, testicular cancer in children can be treated with radiation or chemotherapy. Follow-up tests for children with aggressive cancer include physical exams, tumor marker tests, and chest x-rays. Some boys may also undergo prosthetic testicles to restore their fertility. However, the prosthesis procedure is usually done after puberty.
Seminoma and nonseminomatous germ cell tumour are the two most common types of testicular cancer. Seminomas occur when germ cells are young and immature. Non-seminomas develop when germ cells are more mature. Non-seminomas are faster-growing and aggressive. However, some cases of testicular cancer are a mixture of seminoma and non-seminoma.
Testing for testicular cancer can help prevent its spread to other parts of the body. Regular self-examination helps detect testicular cancer early. It is best to check the scrotum after a warm bath or shower. It should be firm and spongy and it should be similar in size to the penis. In addition, men who have undergone pregnancy or are on hormone therapy may have a higher risk.
In the event of a testicular tumor, a firm, painless bump will often appear on the affected testicle. In some cases, the affected testicle may also be accompanied by a dull abdominal ache and heaviness in the scrotum. Fluid in the testicles is also a sign of testicular cancer. In addition to pain, some individuals may experience breast enlargement and lower back pain.
Blood tests are an additional way to confirm a testicular cancer diagnosis. Blood tests look for serum tumor markers. These proteins and hormones are elevated when cancer is present. Beta-hCG, alpha-fetoprotein, and lactate dehydrogenase are some of the tumor markers associated with testicular cancer. If one or more of these markers are elevated, doctors will likely recommend a radical inguinal orchiectomy. In this procedure, the affected testicle is surgically removed from the scrotum.
While the exact cause of testicular cancer is unknown, certain risk factors are associated with a higher likelihood of developing the disease. Age, race, and a genetic disorder, such as cryptorchidism, make a person more susceptible to developing the disease. However, even a person with no risk factors can still develop the disease. In fact, men between 15 and 35 years of age are more likely to develop testicular cancer than men of other races.
