Features
Symptoms may include one or more of the following:
- A lump in one testis or a hardening of one or both of the testicles.
- Abnormal sensitivity e.g. numbness or pain.
- Decrease in libido.
- Sexual withdrawal.
- Build-up fluid in the scrotum.
- Dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin.
- A significant increase or decrease in the size of one testis. A testicle with a tumor may be severely enlarged (as much as 3 times the original size). Simultaneously the other testicle may be shrunken in size due to the fact that the tumor is taking the majority of the blood supply.
- Blood in semen.
- Generally weak and tired (malaise).
- A testicle mass can be palpated and may be an early sign. Because of the success rate of testicular cancer, early detection is vital. It is suggested that men should perform a monthly examination on their testes after a hot bath/shower when the testes are looser. Feel for pea-shape lumps or any suspicious changes.
Epidemiology
Although malignant testicular cancer is a quite rare, its medical importance is growing due to a rapid growth in incidence. Incidence has increased by 80% in the period 1968–2003. Diagnostic and treatment delay may have an impact on overall survival. The best chance of decreasing mortality is early detection.
Causes
- The causes of testicular cancer are unknown, but the number of men who develop testicular cancer is increasing and research is being conducted to explore why.
- Men born with an undescended testicle (one that remains in the abdominal cavity rather than descending into the scrotum) may be at greater risk of developing testicular cancer.
- Other factors that are thought to make testicular cancer more likely include:
- having a brother or father who had testicular cancer;
- pre-existing fertility problems;
- being white rather than of African or Asian descent;
- having a rare complication of mumps called orchitis (painful swelling of the testicles).
- Having a vasectomy or injury to the testicles does not cause testicular cancer.
Treatment
The tree basic treatments for testicle cancer are:
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy