Testicular cancer is not as common as other cancers, and only about one out of every 250 males will develop it at some point in their life. However, it can still be scary to think about, especially if you notice a lump or experience other symptoms. To help you stay informed and understand your options, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about testicular cancer.
How the Testicles Function
The testicles, or testes, are a pair of male reproductive organs located within the scrotum that are responsible for producing sperm and testosterone. Within the testicles are specialized cells called germ cells. Germ cells help produce sperm through a process called spermatogenesis. This involves multiple stages of cellular division and differentiation to ultimately produce mature sperm cells. In addition to producing sperm, the testes also secrete testosterone. Testosterone is responsible for the development of male secondary sex characteristics, such as a deeper voice, facial and body hair, and increased muscle mass. It also stimulates the production of red blood cells and helps maintain bone density.
What is Testicular Cancer?
Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that develops when abnormal cells in the testicles start to grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a tumor. Each incidence of testicular cancer is classified based on which cells mutate, the most common type being germ cell tumors. Germ cell tumors develop from the cells that produce sperm and contain two main subtypes: seminomas and non-seminomas. Seminomas tend to grow more slowly and are generally more responsive to radiation therapy, while non-seminomas tend to grow more quickly and may require a combination of chemotherapy and surgery.
Testicular cancer is highly treatable, with a high cure rate, especially if caught early. However, treatment efficacy can depend on the stage of testicular cancer. This describes the degree to which it has spread to other parts of the body, which are as follows:
- Stage 0: This is also called germ cell neoplasia in situ and marks the presence of abnormal cells, which are usually localized in the seminiferous tubules.
- Stage I: This stage means that the cancer is isolated within the testicle and has not spread to other parts of the body.
- Stage II: In this stage, the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes in the abdomen, pelvis, or neck. However, cancer has not likely continued to other parts of the body yet.
- Stage III: This stage means that the cancer has spread beyond the lymph nodes to other organs, such as the lungs, liver, or brain. During this stage, cancer can be detected anywhere in the body and blood tests will indicate tumor markers.
If you’ve been diagnosed with testicular cancer, your doctor will go over everything you need to know regarding staging, treatment, and prognosis.
Symptoms of Testicular Cancer
Since early detection is key, it’s important for men to be aware of the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer. However, in the early stages, testicular cancer may not cause any noticeable symptoms or only mild discomfort. As the cancer grows, however, it may produce a variety of symptoms, including:
- A painless lump or swelling in one or both testicles
- A feeling of heaviness or aching in the scrotum
- A dull ache or sharp pain in the lower abdomen, back or groin
- Enlargement or tenderness of the breast tissue (due to hormonal changes)
- A sudden buildup of fluid in the scrotum
- General fatigue or feeling unwell
Although these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, it’s important to see your doctor to determine their underlying cause and receive the appropriate treatment.
What Causes Testicular Cancer?
While the exact cause of testicular cancer is not well understood, there are certain risk factors that can increase your likelihood of developing the disease. Some of the most common risk factors include the following:
- Undescended Testicle — boys who are born with an undescended testicle have a higher risk of developing testicular cancer than those who do not. If you had an undescended testicle, see your doctor regularly for screenings.
- Age — although it can occur at any age, testicular cancer is most commonly diagnosed in men between the ages of 15 and 35.
- Family History — men with a family history of testicular cancer are at higher risk of developing the disease. Therefore, it’s recommended that you take the time to learn your family medical history so you can better assess your risk as you age.
- Personal History — men who have had testicular cancer in one testicle are at an increased risk of developing it in the other testicle.
- Abnormal Testicular Development — certain conditions that affect the development of the testicles, such as Klinefelter syndrome, may increase the risk of testicular cancer.
- Race — testicular cancer is more common in white men than in men of other races.
- HIV Infection — men with an HIV infection may have an increased risk of developing testicular cancer.
Just because you have one or more of these risk factors doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll develop testicular cancer. Some men who develop the disease have no risk factors, while other men may have all the risk factors and never get testicular cancer. Therefore, it’s important to see your doctor regularly and at the first appearance of any sign or symptom.
What to Know About Diagnosing Testicular Cancer
You should perform monthly self-exams to check for any lumps or other abnormalities in the testicles. If you have any risk factors and notice an unusual sign or symptom, it’s important to see your doctor as soon as possible. This can help with early detection, and thus, more effective treatment. During your doctor’s visit, some of the following diagnostic tests may be performed.
Physical Exam
During a physical exam, your doctor will check for any lumps, swelling, or other abnormalities in the testicles and surrounding areas. They may also examine the lymph nodes in the abdomen, pelvis, and neck for signs of spread.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the testicles and surrounding tissues. This can help determine the size and location of any masses or abnormalities in the testicles.
Blood Tests
Blood tests can be used to measure levels of certain proteins and hormones that may be elevated in men with testicular cancer.
Biopsy
In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis of testicular cancer. This involves removing a small sample of tissue from the testicle and examining it under a microscope to look for cancer cells.
If a diagnosis of testicular cancer is made, further tests may be done to determine the stage of the cancer and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. These may include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, and chest X-rays.
How to Treat Testicular Cancer
Luckily, there are several effective treatment methods for testicular cancer, especially when caught early. Your doctor will work with you to determine a treatment plan that’s best for your circumstances and needs. Some of the treatment options include:
Surgery
The most common treatment for testicular cancer is a surgery called radical inguinal orchiectomy. During this procedure, the affected testicle is removed and sent to pathology for further tests. If the cancer is localized, this will remove any traces of abnormal cells from the body before they spread.
Chemotherapy or Radiation
Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells while radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation. Either of these treatments may be used after surgery to target any remaining cancer cells or to treat cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
Surveillance
Some men with very early-stage testicular cancer may approach treatment through surveillance rather than immediate surgery. This would involve seeing your doctor regularly to monitor the cancer and make sure it’s not metastasizing.
If you’ve been diagnosed with testicular cancer, try to stay positive. When cancer is detected early and localized, the five-year relative survival rate is around 99%. If you need help processing your diagnosis and the journey through testicular cancer, ask your doctor for recommendations of support groups near you. Seeing your urologist regularly can help ensure that problems are caught early and treated as soon as possible. To learn more about Byram Healthcare and how we can help you with a testicular cancer diagnosis, visit our urology educational page today.
