If you suspect that you may have testicular cancer, you should see your doctor. Testicular cancer is highly treatable, and is not spread to other parts of the body, but symptoms can appear in other parts of the body. A CT scan of the testicles is one of the first steps to detecting cancer. If the cancer has spread to other areas, treatment may include chemotherapy. It is also possible for the cancer to spread to the lungs, brain, bone, or lymph nodes.
Germ cell tumors are the most common type of cancer in men. They arise from cells that produce sperm. Seminomas are germ cell tumors, while non-seminomas are made up of choriocarcinoma, embryonal carcinoma, and teratoma. Seminomas grow slower than non-seminomas, but they are still a cause for concern. Those diagnosed with seminomas are often older than non-seminomas.
Surgical treatment for testicular cancer can include an orchidectomy, which involves removing one testicle. Two testicles affected by cancer are rare. The remaining one can be replaced with an artificial prosthesis. Other tests used to diagnose cancer of the testicles include CT scans and MRI scans. MRI scans use powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the body. If a testicular tumor is suspected, treatment options include surgery and surveillance.
Early detection of testicular cancer is crucial. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and lumps in the groin area. Testicular cancer is often curable if detected early. Surgery or radiation can treat the disease. Chemotherapy can cause infertility, so sperm banking may be an option. However, the risks of radiation treatment and chemotherapy should not be overlooked. Therefore, it is important to schedule annual physical examinations.
