What is Testicular Cancer, Its Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Table of Content

• Testicular Cancer: What it is?
• What are Testicles
• Testicular Cancer Signs and Symptoms
• What is the cause of Testicular Cancer?
• Testicular Cancer Diagnosis
• Testicular Cancer Treatment

Testicular Cancer: What it is?

An individual's testicles are the site of testicular cancer, which affects the male reproductive system. Testicular lumps and swelling in the scrotum are common symptoms. Treatment may lead to infertility.

Underdeveloped testicles, family history of the disease, and prior history of testicular cancer contribute to the risk of testicular cancer. A germ cell tumor can be classified as seminoma or nonseminoma. Seminoma is the most common type. Lymphoma and sex-cord stromal tumors are other types. Blood tests, ultrasounds, and physical exams are typically used to diagnose cancer. A testicle is surgically removed then examined under a microscope to determine its type.

The majority of testicular cancer cases are curable. Stem cell transplantation, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy may be used as treatment options. The cure rate of chemotherapy is greater than 80%, even in cases where cancer has spread widely.

How You Can Prevent Testicular Cancer

What are Testicles:

A testicle is an organ of male reproduction. There are two egg-shaped glands that reside beneath the penis in a sac (scrotum).

There is a firm, slightly spongy feel to the testicles. There should be even firmness throughout the testicle. It is ideal for both testicles to be approximately the same size, though one may be larger. The epididymis, a rubbery, tube-like structure attached to the top and outside edge of the testes, forms part of the testes.

Sperm mature inside the testicles. In addition, testosterone is produced by the testicles. Basically, testosterone is the hormone responsible for the feeling of sexual desire in men. This hormone also stimulates the production of muscles, bones, and body hair in men.

Testicular Cancer Signs and Symptoms:

A lump or swelling in the testes is often the first sign of testicular cancer. Some Cancer Society’s recommend men examine their testicles monthly, especially if they have a family history of cancer, and the Urological Association urges young men to examine their testicles monthly. You may also experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Painless or painful lump in one testis
• A dull or sharp ache in the lower abdomen or scrotum
• In the scrotum, there is often a feeling of "heaviness"
• The testicle's firmness
• An increase in breast size (gynecomastia) due to hormonal effects of β-hCG
• As a result of lymph nodes spreading to the back, back pain (lumbago) occurs

The spread of testicular cancer to other organs, other than the lungs, is extremely rare. When it does occur, some symptoms can be seen:

• As a result of metastatic spread to the lungs, there may be shortness of breath (dyspnea), a cough, or coughing up blood (hemoptysis).
• Metastases to the lymph nodes cause a lump in the neck
• Known as Testicular Dygenesis Syndrome, symptoms of this condition include testicular cancer, cryptorchidism, hypospadias, and poor-quality semen.

Epididymitis:  An inflammation of the epididymis. An antibiotic may be used to treat it.

Testicular Torsion:  The twisting of the testes. Surgery is usually required.

Inguinal Hernia:  A weak spot in the stomach muscles near the groin allows a portion of the intestine to pass through. Surgery is often necessary.

Hydrocele:  An accumulation of fluid in the scrotum. The condition often resolves without any treatment.

What is the cause of Testicular Cancer?

Cryptorchidism (undescended testes) is a significant risk factor for testis cancer. A tumor in conjunction with cryptorchidism increases the likelihood of the tumor being large, as a tumor is commonly associated with cryptorchidism. Mumps orchitis is another risk factor. Inguinal hernias, Klinefelter syndrome, and other disorders can also contribute. The benefits of physical activity are associated with lower risks; however, the risks of a sedentary lifestyle are associated with increased risks. There is an increased risk associated with the early onset of male characteristics. Endogenous and environmental factors could contribute to this. Cannabis use has been linked to an increased risk of testicular cancer in Western nations.

Testicular Cancer Diagnosis:

Testicular Self-Examination

While standing, after a warm bath or shower, and when the scrotum is relaxed, it is best to conduct a testicular self-exam. The procedure only takes a few minutes. Start by:

• Inspect each testicle. Ensure that the testicles are rolled gently but firmly between the thumb and forefinger. Feel the entire surface. You should feel the same firmness all throughout. A testis that is slightly larger than the other is normal.
• You will need to locate the epididymis and vas deferens. It is a soft, tube-like structure that is found above and behind the testicle. The sperm accumulates and moves through it. Feel the cords to familiarize yourself with them.
• Keep an eye out for any lumps, swelling, or other unusual conditions. A bump or lump is abnormal (even if it does not cause any pain). It is not normal to feel pain.
• Make sure you check yourself monthly. Be aware of any changes in your size, shape, or texture.
• It is important that you seek medical attention if you notice a lump or changes over time. Cancer may not be anything, but if it is, it can spread very rapidly. Testicular cancer can be treated very effectively if found early. Speak to your urologist if you have any concerns or questions.

Medical Exam:

Physical examination and medical history:

Your doctor will take a look at your scrotum, belly (abdomen), lymph nodes, and other parts for signs of cancer. You may experience lumps, swelling, or firmness. If you have an undescended testes history, tell them.

Ultrasound of Testicular:

The imaging test examines the inside of the scrotum and looks for lumps that might be suspicious. If your doctor wants to examine your chest or abdomen, they may perform other types of scans or x-rays. Cancer is detected through an ultrasound by checking lymph nodes, the lungs, or the liver. A brain or spinal cord MRI is rarely performed, but it is sometimes necessary to check them.

Blood Test:

Tumor markers are measured by blood tests. Testicular cancers produce proteins and hormones that are measured by blood tests. Tumor markers such as AFP, ACG, and LDH are elevated with some cancers, but most testicular cancers don't produce them. The mere fact that you have normal tumor markers does not guarantee that you don't have cancer. Knowing what's normal and not normal in terms of tumor marker levels can be extremely valuable information.

Serum Tumor Marker Test:

Any treatment, such as surgery, should be preceded by the measurement of tumor markers (AFP, HCG, and LDH). To determine how well you are doing after treatment if you have cancer, tumor marker tests will be repeated. Marijuana and some medicines can cause false-positive results for HCG.

Stages of Testicular Cancer

Stage 0: It is also called GCNIS (gem cell neoplasia in situ). Although this situation is not considered to be cancerous, it can be a warning sign. Nowhere else can GCNIS be found besides in the seminal tubules.

Stage I (IA, IB, IS): Cancer appears only in the testes. No lymphatic nodes have been affected.

Stage II (IIA, IIB, IIC): Several lymph nodes in the abdomen (belly) are affected by cancer. There are no other affected areas of the body.

Stage III (IIIA, IIIB, IIIC): There is tumor growth beyond the lymph nodes. It is possible to find cancer far outside of the testicles, for example in distant lymph nodes or the lungs. Cancer markers are elevated.

How You Can Prevent Testicular Cancer

Testicular Cancer Treatment:

The best treatment for each patient is often found by a team of doctors which includes a urologist, oncologist, radiation oncologist. Each patient's treatment will depend on their specific diagnosis and health. Among the available treatments are:

• Observation
• Surgical Procedures
• Radiation Therapy
• Chemotherapy

It is important for men to consult their urologist before undergoing any treatment that will affect their ability to conceive. Following certain treatments, infertility is common. Male hormone changes are also common. Before treatment, sperm banking might be useful, primarily if you dream of having children later.

Testicular Cancer - Myths, Facts and FAQ

Observation:

Monitoring is a way to find out what has changed with regular checkups. It involves physical exams, tests for tumor markers, and imaging studies. The imaging studies begin with an ultrasound of the scrotum. CT scans or chest x-rays can also be performed. It is imperative to check for signs of low testosterone in men, regardless of their treatment.

A higher degree of treatment may be recommended if there is evidence of cancer growth or if hormone levels change. In the absence of evidence of cancer growth, only surveillance is needed.

Surgical Procedures:

The main form of treatment for testicular cancer is surgery. To remove the entire testis, an orchiectomy is most often performed. In some cases, other options may be offered depending on the diagnosis. Alterations in fertility should be discussed first.

Testicular cancer is diagnosed and treated with an orchiectomy both in its early stages and later stages. Through a small incision in the groin, the entire testicle and mass are removed. The sperm cord is removed as well. Through this surgery, the cell type and stage will be determined. The patient is followed up regularly following surgery to prevent cancer from returning.

Radiation Therapy:

Radiotherapy is used to destroy cancerous cells on the testes or in the nearby lymph nodes. This treatment is used to fight seminoma-cell cancers because some non-seminoma forms of cancer are resistant to radiation. Radiation therapy comes in a few varieties.

Chemotherapy:

If tumor markers rise after surgery or if cancer spreads outside of the testicles, chemotherapy may be necessary. Imaging tests and serum tumor markers can help determine how much chemotherapy should be administered and whether it will be beneficial.