Understanding testicular cancer

The testes are a pair of male reproductive organs in the scrotum Testicles can vary in size, shape, and position from person to person. However, it is usual for one testicle to be slightly larger or suspended lower than the other. The scrotum is a bag of skin that surrounds and protects the testes. It is located outside the body because the optimal temperature for sperm production is slightly lower than the average body temperature.

Cancer types

Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the testicles. Testicular cancer is relatively rare, but it is most common in men between the ages of 15 and 35. There are two main types of testicular cancer: seminoma and non-seminoma. Seminoma is a type of cancer in the cells that produce sperm, and it is more common in older men. Non-seminoma is a type of cancer that occurs in other cells in the testicle and is more common in younger men.

Cause

The cause of testicular cancer is unknown, but several factors have been identified that may increase a man's risk of developing the disease. These include: Undescended testicles, family history, personal history, Klinefelter syndrome, HIV infection.

Symptoms

Symptoms of testicular cancer may include a painless swelling in the testicle, a change in the size or form of the testicle, a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, or a dull ache in the lower abdomen or scrotum. If you have any of these symptoms, it is essential to see a doctor as soon as possible, as testicular cancer is most treatable when it is caught in its early stages.

Tests

Some steps may be involved in diagnosing testicular cancer: physical examination, blood tests, ultrasound, and biopsy.

Treatment

Treatment for testicular cancer may include surgery to remove the affected testicle, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. The type of treatment will vary depending on the cancer stage and the patient's overall health.

Surgery is usually the first line of treatment for testicular cancer.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams of radiation to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells.

Complications

Some possible complications of untreated testicular cancer include spreading to different parts of the body, difficulty breathing, and lymphedema.

The outlook for patients with testicular cancer is generally excellent. The 5-year survival rate for testicular cancer is over 95% when the cancer is detected and treated at an early stage. However, it is essential for men to be aware of the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer and to seek medical attention if they have any concerns. Early detection and treatment are critical to a successful outcome.

The writer is a physician in the UK.

E-mail: opurbo.chowdhury@gmail.com