You can have the knowledge that your testicles will be free of cancer by regularly visiting your doctor. Despite this, you should be aware of the fact that you are still at risk for developing testicular cancer in the future. This is the reason why you should get regular checkups and be alert to any changes in your body. Testicular cancer is among the least fatal forms of cancer in men. It is also one of the most curable.
Because testicular cancer is relatively rare, your chances of developing it are low. In fact, 95 percent of men are successfully treated, making the chance of developing this disease slim. However, men with certain risk factors stand a 50 percent chance of developing the disease. During these meetings, your doctor will inform you of your prognosis. If you do develop testicular cancer, the best way to protect yourself is to undergo a testicular examination.
In general, most testicular cancers originate in the germ cells that produce sperm. There are two main types of testicular cancers: seminomas and non-seminomas. Seminomas are more common than non-seminomas. Seminomas are more likely to spread. Non-seminomas are very sensitive to chemotherapy and radiation. However, they can be hard to detect.
If your doctor detects a suspicious mass in your testicle, he or she will perform a radical orchiectomy. This procedure requires an incision in the groin and removes the entire testicle, including the spermatic cord, which acts as a pathway for the spread of the cancer. The pathologist will examine the removed tissue under a microscope and send a report detailing the type of cancer it is. This procedure will take about a week to complete and is often an outpatient surgery.
A testicular cancer usually affects one testicle, but it can develop in both testicles. Ninety to ninety percent of testicular cancers begin in the germ cells. Anyone with a testicle can develop the disease, including transgender men, male-assigned non-binary people, and intersex individuals. A typical diagnosis is for testicular cancer in middle aged or young men. Fortunately, treatment of this form of cancer is simple and effective.
If your doctor detects a lump, he may recommend a biopsy of the area to rule out cancer. Moreover, he may recommend other tests to confirm the presence of cancer in the testicles. Some of these tests include ultrasound and blood tests. During the ultrasound, a technician will spread a clear gel on the scrotum and move an ultrasound device over it. During the scan, your doctor may check for certain proteins and enzymes in your blood. These substances are linked to the presence of cancer and should be measured for detection.
