by Laurie LaRusso, MS, ELS
En Espaol (Spanish Version)More InDepth Information on This Condition Testicular cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in one or both testicles. The testicles are a pair of male sex glands that produce and store sperm and produce male hormones. They are located under the penis in a sac-like pouch called the scrotum.
There are three main types of testicular cancer: seminomas, nonseminomas (yolk sac, embryonal cell carcinoma, teratomas, and choriocarcinoma) and stromal cell tumors. Treatment will vary depending on the cell type.
Cancer occurs when cells in the body (in this case testicular cells) divide without control or order. Normally, cells divide in a regulated manner. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably when new cells are not needed, a mass of tissue forms, called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors, which can invade nearby tissues and can spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor does not invade or spread.
The causes of testicular cancer are unknown. However, research shows that certain risk factors are associated with the disease.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors include: Personal or family history of testicular cancerRace: WhiteAge: 25 to 35 Abnormal testicular development, such as that seen in Klinefelter syndrome (a sex chromosome disorder involving low levels of male hormones, sterility, breast enlargement, and small testes) Undescended testicle that did not move down into the scrotum before birth Undescended Testicle 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc. Symptoms Symptoms include: A painless lump or swelling in either testicle. For this reason, young men, who are at greatest risk for developing testicular cancer, should make a practice of regularly examining their testicles, much in the same way that women examine their breast. The earlier a lump is discovered, the better the prognosis.Enlargement or swelling of a testicle or change in the way it feelsFeeling of heaviness in the scrotumA dull ache in the lower abdomen or groinFluid in the scrotum that appears suddenlyPain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotumLower back pain (in later stages of the cancer)Enlarged breastsNote: These symptoms may also be caused by other, less serious health conditions. A man experiencing these symptoms should see a doctor.
DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include:Blood teststo measure the levels of tumor markers in the blood. Tumor markers are substances that appear at higher levels in the blood if cancer is present in the body.Ultrasonographya test that uses sound waves to find tumors. Excisional biopsy removal of an entire testicle and microscopic examination for cancer cells. Most testicles with suspicious lesions on ultrasound are entirely removed. TreatmentOnce testicular cancer is found, tests are performed to find out if the cancer has spread and, if so, to what extent.Treatments include: SurgerySurgery requires removal of the cancerous testicle through an incision in the groin. Nearby lymph nodes may also be removed and examined for evidence of metastasis. Radiation Therapy (Radiotherapy) Radiation therapy is the use of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy for testicular cancer comes from a machine outside the body that directs radiation at the abdomen. ChemotherapyChemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be given in many forms including: pill, injection, and via a catheter. The drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through the body killing mostly cancer cells, but also some healthy cells.
PreventionThere are no guidelines for preventing testicular cancer. However, having your testicles examined by your doctor during regular physical exams can detect cancer in its early stages when it may be more treatable. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any lumps, hardness, or changes in your testicles. All men should perform self-testicular exams on a monthly basis, regardless of the presence of risk factors. RESOURCES: American Cancer Societyhttp://www.cancer.org CancerCarehttp://www.cancercare.org CANADIAN RESOURCES: Canadian Cancer Societyhttp://www.cancer.ca Cancer Care Ontariohttp://www.cancercare.on.ca References: American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org . National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH) website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/ . Last reviewed February 2008 by Rimas Lukas, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
