Testicular cancer is a rare, malignant disease of the testicles. It affects men of all ages but typically strikes young and middle-aged males. Treatment for testicular cancer typically includes a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. The good news is that most men survive with testicular cancer when detected in an early stage. In fact, 95 percent of those diagnosed with the disease survive for five years or longer.
Screening tests for testicular cancer can include an ultrasound and a biopsy. Ultrasound can determine whether or not a tumor is present in the scrotum, while CT can detect metastatic disease. Blood tests can also be done to identify cancer markers and the location of tumor cells. One type of testicular cancer marker is AFP (alpha-fetoprotein). Beta-hCG (a protein that is produced by the testicles) and LDH (leukocyte differentiation factor) are two common tests used for testing.
After completing chemotherapy, patients can undergo surgery to remove the tumor or lymph nodes. For seminoma testicular cancer, lymph node removal is recommended. If the tumor is found to have spread to the liver or lungs, surgery may be necessary. Another treatment option is radiation therapy, which uses high-dose X-rays to kill cancer cells. It is usually only appropriate for patients who have barely spread the tumor. After treatment, a follow-up checkup is recommended to monitor the results and gauge the effectiveness of treatment.
If a lump is present, it is important to seek medical attention right away. The symptoms of testicular cancer include pain in the scrotum, the fluid in the scrotum, and enlarged or swollen testicles. In addition to pain in the testicles, you may experience other symptoms, such as shortness of breath and coughing up blood. Early detection is the best way to treat the cancer and avoid it from spreading throughout the body.
The types of testicular cancer can differ depending on the type of cells involved in its development. Most commonly, 90% of testicular cancers originate in germ cells, which produce sperm. The two main types of germ cell tumors are seminomas and non-seminomas. It is important to remember that both types can cause significant health problems. In addition to cancers of the testicles, men can be up to 12 to 18 times more likely to have a tumor than women.
Almost all cases of testicular cancer begin in germ cells that produce sperm and eggs. These germ cells are also responsible for making sperm and eggs. Seminomas are the most common type of germ cell tumors, and are divided into two major types: non-seminomas and seminomas. Seminomas tend to grow at a slower rate than non-seminomas, but they may be a sign of a more serious disease.
