Understanding Testicular Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Early Detection
Doctor explains the essential facts about testicular cancer, including its causes, symptoms, and risk factors. Learn how to detect early signs, understand the diagnosis process, and explore treatment options for better outcomes.
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Topic Breakdown
In this video, we delve into the critical information you need to know about testicular cancer, including its causes, symptoms, and more. Testicular cancer arises from a testicle, and around half of all cases occur in men aged under 35. It’s the most common cancer in men aged between 15 and 44 years old, with about 2,000 new cases in the UK each year. Understanding the symptoms and signs is crucial for early detection and treatment.
In most cases, the first symptom noticed is a lump that develops on one testicle. This lump is often painless, but some individuals may experience pain or discomfort in the affected testicle. Others might notice general swelling of one of the testicles. It’s important to note that most swellings and lumps in the scrotum, which is the bag of loose skin covering your testicles, are not due to cancer. Various other causes, such as hydroceles, cysts, and varicoceles, are not cancerous. However, if you discover a swelling or lump in one of your testicles, it’s imperative to consult a doctor immediately for a thorough examination.
Now that we understand the symptoms and possible signs of testicular cancer, let’s explore some potential causes. In many cases, testicular cancer develops without any apparent reason. However, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing testicular cancer. For instance, the risk among white men is about four to five times higher than that of men of African and Asian origin. There’s also a potential link with family history, meaning that brothers and sons of affected men have an increased risk. Additionally, men with undescended testicles have a slightly higher risk.
To elaborate, the testes develop in the tummy and usually descend into the scrotum before birth. Some babies are born with one or both testes undescended, which is typically corrected with a small operation. Men who haven’t had their undescended testes surgically fixed face a larger increased risk of developing testicular cancer. Even those who had the surgery as babies still carry some increased risk. Men who are infertile with an abnormal sperm count, those with Klinefelter syndrome, and individuals with HIV or AIDS also have an increased risk.
When it comes to assessment and diagnosis, your doctor will examine your testicles and refer you to a specialist if they suspect a tumor. A specialist will conduct a thorough examination and may advise an ultrasound scan. This simple, painless test uses sound waves to scan the testicles, helping to determine if the lump is a solid mass (likely a tumor) or a non-cancerous cyst, which is a fluid-filled lump common in the testicles. Based on this examination, a specialist can confidently diagnose whether you have cancer or another cause for the swelling.
If cancer is diagnosed, the usual advice is to undergo an operation to remove the affected testicle. The removed testicle is then examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer. If confirmed, further tests are typically recommended to assess whether the cancer has spread, a process known as staging. Staging aims to determine if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes in the tummy or other areas of the body (metastases). This information helps doctors recommend the best treatment options and provides a reasonable indication of the prognosis.
Tests to stage the cancer may include a CT scan, a magnetic resonance scan, a chest X-ray, and other assessments. Another useful test is a blood test for tumor markers such as alpha-fetoprotein, beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH). If you test positive for these markers before the operation, the test may be repeated afterward. A negative result post-operation usually indicates that the cancer was confined to the testicle, while a positive result suggests that cancer cells might have spread elsewhere in the body.
As for treatment, it often involves surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. The specific treatment plan depends on various factors, including the stage and type of cancer, as well as your overall health. Generally, the prognosis for testicular cancer is very good. Treatment is usually successful, and testicular cancer is curable in over 95 percent of cases. If diagnosed and treated early, the chances of a cure are extremely high. Even if the cancer has spread, there’s still a good chance of cure, as testicular cancer cells respond well to chemotherapy.
For more information on testicular cancer, please check out the resources in the description box of the video, which include details on how to perform a self-examination of your testicles. And remember, if you discover a new lump on your testicle, always get it checked out by your doctor.
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