Lisa Miller Client Service Practice Leader View Bio

MEN’S HEALTH: TESTICULAR CANCER

Over 8,000 new cases of testicular cancer are diagnosed yearly, primarily affecting men between the ages of 20 and 39.

Risk Factors:

  • A family history of testicular cancer
  • Age 
    • Younger men are more likely to develop the disease.
  • Race 
    • Testicular cancer is most common among white males.
  • An undescended testicle  
    • Even after corrective surgery
  • Congenital abnormalities 
    • Men born with irregularities of the testicles, penis, or kidneys and those with a hernia in the groin may be at an increased risk.
  • Prior history of cancer 
    •  The opposite testicle is at a higher risk.

Diagnosis:

Several methods can diagnose and identify the progression of testicular cancer:

  • A physical exam 
    • A thorough examination can rule out disorders other than cancer.
  • Blood tests 
    • Certain types of testicular cancer raise the level of specific substances in the blood. Blood tests that measure the levels of those substances are used to diagnose testicular cancer, and in some cases determine the extent of the disease.
  • Ultrasound 
    •  Imaging techniques can help indicate possible tumors.
  • Biopsy 
    • A pathologist examines a tissue sample under a microscope.

Prognosis and Treatment:

Although the amount of cases of testicular cancer has increased in recent years, more than 95% of cases can be cured. Treatment for testicular cancer depends on the type of tumor and stage of the disease and if detected early. In addition, when the cancer is detected early, treatment will often be less aggressive and produce fewer side effects. A combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy has one of the highest cure rates.

Prevention:

Most testicular cancers are first detected by the patient, either unintentionally or by self-examination. Routine testicular self-examination (TSE) increases a man’s chance of finding a testicular tumor. Locating a tumor this way can boost the odds of early intervention and a cure. Testicular tumors often feel like pea-sized, painless lumps or:

  • An enlarged testicle
  • A feeling of heaviness, hardness, or sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
  • A dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
  • Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts

 If you find a lump or experience any of the above symptoms, call your doctor immediately. For more information about how to conduct a proper self-exam, visit the Testicular Cancer Resource Center at http://tcrc.acor.org/.